By Chinoyi Chipulu
Police in Lusaka have launched a manhunt for a maid who is on the run after allegedly stabbing to death a fellow maid.
The murder suspect only identified as Mary stabbed to death Memory Kazhila after she allegedly confronted her over bed wetting.
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga stated that investigations indicated that the deceased, who had worked for the Ngoma family for over four years, recently began sharing a bedroom with the Mary, who joined the household on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
Hamoonga stated that it was alleged that tensions may have arisen after the deceased confronted Mary over suspected bed wetting, though not confirmed.
He stated that when the incident happened the maids’ employers had left for work, leaving the two maids and four children at home.
“A 12-year-old child reportedly noticed blood seeping from the bedroom and inquired from Mary, who allegedly claimed it was from slaughtering a chicken. However, upon entering the bedroom, the child found the deceased lying on the floor,” he stated.
Hamoonga stated that police officers who responded to the scene found the deceased laying on her back, covered in a blanket.
He stated that physical inspection revealed deep cuts on the chest, right arm, and four incisions on the stomach, consistent with knife wounds.
“The body was transported to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) mortuary, where it awaits postmortem examination and burial. At this stage, no arrests have been made as the suspect, Mary, is currently on the run,” he stated. “A manhunt has been launched, and we appeal to members of the public with any information on the whereabouts of the suspect to report to the nearest police station or contact the Zambia Police Service emergency lines.”
Hamoonga states that the police service condemned in the strongest terms all acts of violence and reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the perpetrator was brought to justice.
