Zambia :Jealous Second Wife Allegedly Throws Two Stepchildren into River in Lusaka

 A heartbreaking incident occurred in Lusaka, Zambia, where a 26-year-old woman in a polygamous marriage is accused of murdering her two young stepchildren by throwing them into the Ngwerere River. The suspect, identified as Mary Kachilika, has been detained by police following the alleged crime that occurred on February 25, 2026.

According to a press release from the Zambia Police Service issued through Chelstone Police Station, the children's father, Titus Kamanga, 29, of Meanwood Kwamwena Phase 5, reported the matter after the devastating event near the river around midday. The victims were his children from his first wife, Fanny Kanyinji, aged 26. They were a six-year-old and a two-year-old.

Preliminary investigations point to jealousy as a key factor behind the alleged act. Kachilika reportedly married Kamanga as his second wife on January 10, 2025. Sources indicate ongoing disputes in the household stemmed from the fact that the first wife had children, while Kachilika had not conceived any since joining the marriage. This imbalance is believed to have fueled resentment and tension between the co-wives.

The sequence of events began when the children's mother heard cries and followed the sound toward the Ngwerere River. Upon arriving, she reportedly found Kachilika being chased by a local fisherman, aged 28, who had been in the area. The fisherman is said to have directly witnessed the accused throwing the children into the water and intervened to apprehend her before she could flee. Police arrived shortly after and took Kachilika into custody on charges of murder.

Tragically, the bodies of the two children have not yet been recovered from the river, and search efforts continue. The community in Meanwood has been left reeling from the news, with many expressing outrage over the senseless loss of young lives.

In the aftermath, police officers had to step in to rescue Titus Kamanga from an angry mob of residents who accused him of somehow contributing to the deaths of his children. Authorities intervened to prevent any further violence and ensured his safety while investigations proceed.

The National Child Rights Forum (NCRF), a coalition of organizations focused on child protection in Zambia, has strongly condemned the incident. Coordinator Yusuf Ayami described it as a heinous violation of the Children's Code Act, 2022, calling it an unacceptable act driven by jealousy and neglect. He urged families, community leaders, and civil society to reinforce safeguards for children and promote peaceful resolutions in domestic settings to prevent such tragedies.

Public reactions have highlighted the dangers that can arise in polygamous arrangements when jealousy and unresolved conflicts are left unaddressed. Child welfare advocates are using the moment to call for greater awareness, counseling support for families in similar situations, and stronger community vigilance to protect vulnerable children.

The Zambia Police continue their investigation, with Deputy Public Relations Officer Chipo Kaitisha confirming details in official statements. No formal charges or court appearances have been detailed yet, as the case remains active. Authorities are appealing for calm while they work to establish the full circumstances.

Communities in Lusaka and beyond are mourning the two innocent lives lost and hoping for justice as the legal process comes up.