259 in custody over Kalumbila mob killing as police widen arrests

Police in North-Western Province have arrested 259 suspects in connection with the mob killing of a 46-year-old woman in Kalumbila District, in one of the most disturbing incidents of vigilante violence recorded in recent months.

The victim, Eneless Kamutumbe of Chingola District, was attacked and killed on Saturday after being accused of causing the disappearance of a man's private parts, an allegation that rapidly drew a violent crowd. Medical examinations subsequently found no evidence supporting the claim, casting a stark light on how quickly unverified rumours can escalate into fatal mob action.

The arrests followed a coordinated overnight operation across Kisasa and surrounding areas, conducted by officers drawn from North-Western Province and reinforced by Copperbelt units. North-Western Province Commanding Officer Brighton Siwale confirmed that of the 259 detained individuals, 163 are male and 96 female, with 50 identified as juveniles.

Among those arrested is Grace Njapau, the young woman seen in widely circulated video footage wearing a zebra-print dress during the attack. She was apprehended on 23 March in Mwinilunga District, where she had fled following the incident. Police Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi confirmed she remains in custody.

Each suspect faces charges ranging from murder and riotous behaviour to malicious damage to property and assault on police officers, who sustained injuries when the crowd turned on them during the attack. Screening is underway to establish individual roles and determine whether any foreign nationals are among those detained. Investigators are also examining whether anyone incited or coordinated the violence.

Police say further arrests are expected as the investigation continues. Authorities have stressed that all those linked to the killing will be processed through the courts.