Police in Lusaka have detained a 24-year-old man of Chazanga Compound in connection with the death of a two-year-old girl who died while receiving treatment at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH).
Zambia Police Public Relations Officer, Godfrey Chilabi, says the suspect, identified as Lemmy Mulilo, was initially detained for assaulting the child before the charge was upgraded to murder following her death.
Mr Chilabi says preliminary investigations indicate that the child was playing near a shop when the suspect allegedly picked her up and began swinging her around. He says the suspect later dropped the child, slapped her and hit her head against the floor despite being instructed to put her down.
He adds that the child’s father, Josiah Mpofu, found the suspect allegedly assaulting the girl after being alerted by members of the public. The child sustained injuries and was rushed to hospital for treatment.
Mr Chilabi says the suspect remains in police custody while investigations continue.
He says a post-mortem examination has been ordered to establish the exact cause of death and has condemned all forms of violence against children.
By Niza Vomo
