Seven suspects have been apprehended by police in Solwezi in connection with the murder and aggravated robbery of a 17-year-old motorbike rider whose body was discovered in the Forestry Farming Block area, about 15 kilometres from Solwezi Town.
In an official statement issued to Diamond Media by Zambia Police Police Service Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi.The incident happened on August 25, 2026, between 16:30 and 18:00 hours.
According to Zambia Police, the matter was reported later that evening at Kazomba Police Station by the deceased’s mother, who said her son, identified as Isaac Kabwita, had gone missing after allegedly being hired by a 25-year-old man, Kennedy Sapato.
Police say Sapato was apprehended on August 31 in Chililabombwe and transferred to Solwezi Police Station on September 2 for further investigations.
During questioning, Sapato allegedly led police officers to a location in the Forestry Farming Block where the incident is believed to have occurred.
Police discovered Kabwita’s decomposed body concealed under a bush thicket, with his hands and legs reportedly tied.
The body was later deposited at Solwezi General Hospital Mortuary, where it awaits a postmortem examination.
Police also recovered the deceased’s red Bajaj Boxer motorbike, which had allegedly been sold to a 44-year-old woman without proper documentation, as well as his mobile phone.
The suspects are Kennedy Sapato, 25, who police allege is the principal offender; Loveness Sapato, 63; traditional healers Juliet Kipayeni, 50, and Paton Mbewe, 45; Prisca Nkolomba, 44, who allegedly purchased the motorbike without proper documentation; and Simon Kapiji, 29, and Paul Kalimoto, 25, who are alleged to have acted together with the principal offender.
Police have since opened a docket, with further updates expected as investigations continue.
By Dante Bwalya
