Police sources have confirmed that the private parts of Prince Ntambo, the 25-year-old man whose claims of a “vanishing manhood” triggered a fatal mob attack in Kalumbila, were found to be intact and undisturbed.

The incident occurred on Friday at Kisasa Market, where a mob attacked 46-year-old businesswoman Eneless Hellen Kamutumbe after Ntambo accused her of using witchcraft to steal his manhood. She was beaten with stones, sticks and planks and later died from her injuries.

Following the incident, which has drawn widespread condemnation including from President Hakainde Hichilema, police arrested Ntambo along with several others. According to sources close to the investigation, a physical examination found no evidence to support his claims.

Another police source indicated that the confrontation began after Ntambo allegedly made inappropriate remarks as Kamutumbe passed by at the market. When she challenged him, he reportedly insulted her and accused her of stealing his manhood, prompting the crowd to attack her.

As the situation escalated, Ntambo reportedly attempted to intervene but was unable to stop the mob. Efforts by a member of the public to hide Kamutumbe in a nearby house also failed, as the attackers tracked her down and continued the assault.

Police officers who responded to the scene were also attacked with stones, making it difficult to control the situation.

Kamutumbe later died from her injuries, and her body was dumped along the Mwinilunga–Solwezi Road before being retrieved by police and taken to Wumi Mini Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

So far, 17 suspects, including Ntambo, have been arrested. Three police officers were injured, and a police vehicle was damaged during the unrest.

President Hakainde Hichilema condemned the killing, describing it as a serious crime and directing security agencies to ensure all those responsible are brought to justice.

The incident has left Kamutumbe’s family devastated. The mother of six leaves behind young children, including a two-year-old, and a husband who is reportedly struggling to cope with the loss.

Investigations are ongoing as the incident continues to draw national concern, with calls for stronger action against mob violence and the spread of misinformation.

Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati has revealed that the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector is currently the fastest-growing in Zambia, contributing about 15 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Speaking during the Zambia-Mauritius ICT Business Forum in Lusaka, Mr Mutati attributed the growth to deliberate and structured reforms implemented since the creation of the ministry in 2021.

He explained that government has removed import duties on digital infrastructure to attract investment and also introduced policies to prevent duplication, including infrastructure sharing among telecommunications companies.

Mr Mutati added that Zambia has also simplified regulatory processes, including environmental assessments, to accelerate investment in the sector.

He stated that Zambia’s improved economic standing, including debt restructuring, has positioned the country as an attractive investment destination, with over 12 billion United States Dollars recorded in sector investments within four years.

Mr Mutati reaffirmed the country’s commitment to digital transformation, highlighting the country’s rapid growth in the ICT sector as a key driver of economic development.

He further said Zambia is leveraging its strengths in cyber security and digital infrastructure to not only benefit the country but also the African continent at large.

And Mauritius Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation,

Avinash Ramtohul said his country stands ready to partner with Zambia and other African countries in driving digital transformation and innovation.

Dr Ramtohul added that Mauritius looks forward to enhancing business ties through ongoing engagements with Zambia in order to strengthen digital cooperation.

President Hakainde Hichilema has emphasised the need for Zambia and the European Union (EU) to deepen their cooperation, focusing on economic growth, peace and security.

President Hichilema said Zambia and the EU should work together to address global challenges and promote economic integration and participation.

The Head of State was speaking during a meeting with EU Ambassadors to Zambia and COMESA at State House on the Annual Partnership Dialogue Forum held on February 26, 2026.

Mr Hichilema also expressed concern on the impact of global events, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, on the country’s economy and bilateral partnerships.

He called for increased cooperation to address issues such as migration and promotion of peace and security in the region.

President Hichilema also emphasised the importance of joint ventures and business investments between Africa and Europe.

And EU Ambassador to Zambia, Karolina Stasiak, expressed appreciation for Zambia’s active participation in the partnership dialogue.

“The spirit of openness and partnership that characterised our exchanges is a clear reflection of the strength and maturity of EU-Zambia relations under your leadership,” she said.

Ambassador Stasiak highlighted the EU’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s economic transformation and resilience, citing initiatives such as the Lolita Corridor, a flagship project with the potential to transform connectivity in the region and unlock new trade and investment opportunities.

“The EU remains a reliable, long-term, committed and predictable partner for Zambia, and we stand ready to continue working closely with your government and our coalition to continue delivering for the benefit of all our citizens,” she said.

The European Union (EU) and Zambia have reaffirmed their strong partnership, focusing on democracy and development.

The meeting was aimed at promoting deeper understanding of Zambia’s priorities and to identify areas for cooperation, with a focus on creating jobs, expanding economic opportunities, and improving human standards.

Police have arrested 17 suspects, including an alleged mastermind, in connection with the killing of Eneless Kamutumbe in Kalumbila District, marking a significant development in the investigation into the mob attack that drew national attention.

Zambia Police Service spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi confirmed the arrests, stating that operations have been intensified and that more suspects are expected to be apprehended as the investigation progresses.

The arrests follow earlier directives from President Hakainde Hichilema ordering the apprehension and prosecution of all individuals involved in the killing, which occurred after the victim was accused of practicing witchcraft.

Mr Chilabi said law enforcement has now escalated its response through the establishment of a specialised task force dedicated to handling the case. The unit is tasked with tracking down remaining suspects and coordinating investigative efforts.

He disclosed that some individuals linked to the killing are believed to be hiding in nearby bush areas, prompting expanded search operations as police continue to pursue those who have not yet been apprehended.

The development represents the first confirmed enforcement breakthrough since the incident, which involved a mob attack in Kisasa area of Kalumbila following unverified claims against the victim.

Police have not released the identities of those arrested but confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with officers working to determine the specific roles played by each suspect in the attack.

Authorities are also continuing to gather evidence, including witness statements and other material necessary to support prosecution. The objective is to build cases that will stand in court against all individuals involved.

Mr Chilabi thanked members of the public who have assisted police by providing information that led to the identification and arrest of suspects. He said community cooperation has been critical in advancing the investigation.

The police response reflects a broader effort to address mob justice, which authorities have described as a criminal act that undermines the rule of law. Officials have reiterated that accusations, including those related to witchcraft, must be reported through legal channels rather than acted upon by communities.

The killing of Kamutumbe triggered strong reactions from government, with the President directing that all perpetrators be brought to justice. Law enforcement agencies have since maintained a sustained presence in the area as investigations continue.

Traditional leadership in the district had earlier taken steps to stabilise the situation, including the closure of Kisasa market to support investigations and prevent further unrest.

The formation of a specialised task force signals a shift from initial response to structured enforcement, with authorities now focusing on completing arrests and preparing cases for prosecution.

Police have indicated that operations will continue until all individuals involved in the incident are accounted for. The search for suspects believed to be in hiding is ongoing, with officers expanding their coverage in surrounding areas.

The case remains active, with further updates expected as investigations progress and additional arrests are made

Senior Chief Musele has ordered the closure of Kisasa Market for 60 days following a mob killing incident in the area.

The traditional leader said the closure is intended to allow police to carry out thorough investigations and apprehend all individuals involved.

He also banned all trading activities at the market, citing a lack of cooperation from the community during the ongoing investigations.

Kalumbila Council Chairperson Shadreck Munjunga condemned the incident and urged police to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.

A check by the media at Kisasa Market found traders vacating the premises in compliance with the directive issued by Senior Chief Musele.

United Party for National Development (UPND) deputy spokesperson Elvis Nkandu has described the election of Makebi Zulu as leader of the Patriotic Front (PF) as unlawful, stating that the issue of the party’s legitimate leadership is still before the courts.

Mr Zulu was elected president of a PF faction that had been led by Given Lubinda until Saturday.

“My understanding is that there’s no PF that can go for a convention. The PF which we know is still in court, and there is an injunction which I believe will be ruled on March 27,” Mr Nkandu said in an interview.

Mr Nkandu, who also serves as Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, said the PF faction should respect the rule of law.

“How can you proceed with what you call a convention while the matter is still in court? This shows disregard for the law,” he said.

He added that those involved should not blame authorities if legal action is taken against them.

“Once someone is arrested, they will claim that President Hakainde Hichilema has sent police, yet they are acting in defiance of the law,” he said.

Mr Nkandu stated that the UPND respects democratic principles and will not interfere in the PF’s internal matters, but urged the party to follow legal processes.

“What happened at that election is their internal issue, but we appeal to them to respect the law,” he said.

He further said that while the UPND remains stable, Zambians should carefully evaluate political parties, noting that those experiencing internal confusion may not be fit to lead.

Meanwhile, PF presidential aspirant Willah Mudolo dismissed Mr Zulu’s election in an online statement, maintaining that the party has not held a lawful convention.

 A 36-year-old man of Ndola has been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment by the Ndola Magistrates’ Court after being found guilty of burglary and theft involving stolen household goods, including homemade mayonnaise.

Paul Saliki of Mine Masala Township was convicted for breaking into the house of Gladys Banda, 29, and stealing assorted items valued at about K2,000.

The court heard that in the early hours of November 14 last year, around 04:00, Saliki unlawfully entered Banda’s residence and stole various goods before fleeing the scene.

However, he was apprehended shortly afterwards by police officers on patrol. At the time of his arrest, officers discovered traces of mayonnaise on his body, which became a key piece of evidence in the case.

In his defence, Saliki denied committing the offence, telling the court that he had been on his way to collect fertiliser when he was arrested.

But in delivering judgment, magistrate Brian Simachela said that although there was no direct evidence linking the accused to the crime, the circumstantial evidence presented was sufficient to secure a conviction.

“Traces of mayonnaise found on the accused person’s body and the fact that he was found eating it only point to the fact that he committed the offence,” the magistrate ruled.

Saliki was subsequently sentenced to three years in prison.

A 46 –year- old woman of Chingola District has allegedly been killed by a mob in Kisasa area of Kalumbila District following accusations of suspected witchcraft involving the alleged disappearance of private parts linked to a 25 year old man.

The incident occurred  between 11:00 hours and 13:00 hours at Kalumbbila market.

Zambia Police Service Deputy Public Relations Officer, Chipo Kaitisha, confirmed the incident to the media in Kalumbila today and identified the deceased as Eneless Hellen Kamutumbe, who had travelled to the area for business.

Ms Kaitisha said the matter was reported around 14:00 hours by a cousin to the deceased.

She explained that preliminary investigations indicate that the incident was triggered when the 25 year old man allegedly accused the woman of causing the disappearance of his private parts after physical contact at a local market.

The accusation sparked panic among members of the public, leading to the formation of a violent mob which attacked the woman using sticks, stones, planks and other objects, inflicting multiple injuries.

Ms Kaitisha said police officers who rushed to the scene were met with resistance from the hostile crowd, which threw stones and obstructed efforts to rescue the victim.

She added that the victim was briefly taken to a nearby house where a concerned member of the public attempted to assist her, but the mob continued the assault, resulting in her death.

Police later retrieved the body after reinforcements, where it had been abandoned along the Mwinilunga–Solwezi Road.

The victim was rushed to Wumi Mini Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. The body has since been deposited in the mortuary awaiting a postmortem examination.

Ms Kaitisha disclosed that eight suspects, including the man who made the initial accusation, have since been apprehended and are assisting police with investigations.

Meanwhile, three police officers sustained injuries after being attacked by members of the public, while a police motor vehicle had its front windscreen damaged during the incident.

The Zambia Police Service has strongly condemned the act of mob injustice and urged members of the public to report suspected criminal activities to the police instead of taking the law into their own hands. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.