By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka,
Zambia Police Service in the Western Division has launched a manhunt for a father believe to be the prime suspect in a disturbing child murder case in Kaoma District, where investigations have also uncovered an alleged cover-up involving a close relative of the victim.
Police said the case was initially reported on April 18, 2026, at around 13:00 hours as a missing person incident involving an 11-year-old girl, identified as Choolwe Regina Munsanje, who had disappeared from the Kanabilumbu Farming Area between March 15 and April 16, 2026.
According to Western Division Police Commissioner Rae Hamoonga, the report was made by Shelly Munsanje 25, the elder sister of the victim, who claimed the child had gone missing.
Mr. Hamoonga, however disclosed that, police later established that there were earlier allegations suggesting the child had been subjected to repeated abuse by her biological father before her disappearance.
He said information gathered from the public pointed to a disturbing pattern of violence within the household.
“Witnesses indicated that the child had a history of physical abuse allegedly inflicted by the suspect prior to her disappearance,” he said.
Mr. Hamoonga explained that investigations took a significant turn on April 17, 2026, when Shelly Munsanje and other relatives allegedly revealed that the child had been murdered by her husband, Hestern Mwenda, who is now on the run.
Police further revealed that Shelly Munsanje is also being investigated for allegedly misleading authorities during the early stages of the case.
“She initially reported the matter as a missing person case despite alleged prior knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the death,” Mr. Hamoonga said.
He added that Ms. Munsanje has since been cautioned.
“A Warn and Caution Statement has been recorded from Shelly Munsanje for the offence of Compounding a Felony,” he stated.
On April 18, 2026, police officers, accompanied by family members, were led by Shelly Munsanje to a suspected dumping site located about 200 metres from the family residence.
However, the search team found that the remains had already been moved.
“Despite extensive searches conducted in the area, the body of the deceased has not yet been recovered,” Mr. Hamoonga confirmed.
Police believe the prime suspect, Hestern Mwenda, holds key information regarding the whereabouts of the remains.
A full-scale manhunt has since been launched.
“The Zambia Police Service strongly condemns all forms of child abuse and violence. We urge members of the public with any information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect or recovery of the body to report to the nearest police station,” he added.
Mr. Hamoonga assured the public that investigations are ongoing and further updates will be provided as new information emerges.
