The Zambia Police Service has launched investigations into the conduct of officers who handled a domestic violence complaint lodged before the fatal shooting incident in Lusaka’s Makeni Villa area.
The investigations follow public concern over the handling of a complaint made by Theresa Nyambe, who was later shot dead together with her brother, Innocent Nyambe, by her husband, Clifford Chileshe, who later took his own life.
Police Spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi said the investigations will establish whether the officers complied with Zambia Police Service procedures, professional standards and applicable laws when handling the matter.
Mr Chilabi said the probe will specifically examine the officers’ conduct in relation to the handling of the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) complaint.
“The Zambia Police Service has, with immediate effect, instituted investigations into the conduct of the officers who handled the matter. The investigations will review the officers’ compliance with established Zambia Police Service procedures, professional standards, and applicable laws in the execution of their duties, particularly in relation to the handling of Gender-Based Violence cases,” Mr Chilabi said.
He stated that if the investigations establish negligence, misconduct or failure to follow prescribed procedures and the law, appropriate action will be taken against the officers found wanting.
Mr Chilabi assured the public that the investigations will be conducted in an impartial and professional manner, with the findings to be made public once the process is concluded.
Police said Theresa Nyambe had earlier reported an assault complaint against her husband at Kanyama Police Station after allegedly sustaining injuries that included a cut on her upper lip, swollen eyes, bleeding from the nose and general body pains.
She later returned to the Victim Support Unit at Kanyama Police Station, accompanied by her brother, Innocent Nyambe, where she was issued with a call-out notice for her husband to appear before police.
The two subsequently proceeded to their residence in Makeni Villa to serve the document.
According to police, Mr Chileshe allegedly shot Theresa and Innocent before taking his own life.
