Police in Northern Province have arrested a 22-year-old man of Kakolo village in Chief Chitimbwa’s Chiefdom of Mpulungu District in connection with attempted murder following a violent assault in which an axe is allegedly to have been used.
Northern Province Police Commanding Officer, Simunji Mulonda, says the incident occurred on July 3, 2026 at around 17:00 hours, and was reported to Police on July 4, 2026 at 11:00 hours.
In a statement released to the media yesterday, Mr Mulonda disclosed that the victim, Osward Simwanza, aged 21, reported that he was unlawfully attacked by Elieneus Mfula 22, who allegedly assaulted him using an axe.
Mr Mulonda said the victim sustained deep cut wounds to the left side of the neck, the right side of the ribs, and the right hand.
He revealed that Preliminary investigations indicate that the victim was walking home when he passed by the suspect’s residence and greeted the suspect and his wife, shortly the suspect allegedly followed the victim from behind and struck him on the neck with an axe after the victim fell to the ground the suspect is alleged to have inflicted two additional blows to the ribs and hand before fleeing the scene.
Mr Mulonda disclosed that the victim screamed for help attracting his mother Nakazwe Priscilla aged 50.
He said when the mother rushed to the scene she found him lying in a pool of blood with severe injuries.
Mr Mulonda said the victim was then rushed to Chitimbwa Rural Health Center before being referred to Mpulungu District Hospital where he received treatment and has since been discharged.
He said the matter was subsequently reported to Police and officers visited the scene and the axe suspected to have been used in the attack, bearing apparent blood stains on both the blade and handle was recovered and has since been secured as an exhibit.
Mr Mulonda said following a coordinated operation involving Community Crime Prevention Officers, the suspect was apprehended on July 4, 2026 and later handed over to the Zambia Police Service.
He revealed that the suspect is currently detained in police custody and will be formally charged and taken before the courts for the offence of Attempted Murder.
He said investigations have established that the nature of the attack, the weapon used, and the injuries inflicted point to an apparent intention to cause the death of the victim rather than merely injuring him.
The Northern Province Police Commanding Officer has strongly warned members of the public against resorting to violence to resolve personal, family, land, or other disputes saying individuals who choose violence over lawful dialogue will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law.
Mr Mulonda has since encouraged the public to resolve disputes through lawful and peaceful means and to report criminal activities promptly to the nearest police station.
