The long and painful wait for answers has taken a significant turn following the arrest of a suspect linked to the tragic murder of two Zambian businesswomen whose lives were cut short during a cross-border trading trip to Malawi.
Police in Chipata, Eastern Province, have confirmed the detention of a 60-year-old man, identified as Chola Bwalya, of Garden House area in Lusaka, in connection with the gruesome killings that occurred in October 2025 in Mchinji District, Malawi.
The Arrest and Current Status
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba announced that the suspect was apprehended in Lusaka on Christmas Eve and has since been transferred to Chipata Central Police Station, where he is currently being held as investigations continue.
The arrest comes after months of coordinated investigations involving Zambian law enforcement authorities following the violent deaths of Agness Bwalya and Jane Lungu, both Zambian nationals engaged in small-scale cross-border trade.
A Routine Business Trip Turns Deadly
According to police reports, the two women had travelled to Mchinji District in Malawi to purchase beans for resale in Zambia—a common livelihood activity for many traders in border towns.
While in Malawi, the women reportedly encountered the suspect, who was married to a Malawian woman and was familiar with the local transport arrangements. He allegedly offered to assist them in finding transport to move their goods back to Zambia.
After the women successfully purchased seven bags of beans, the suspect allegedly persuaded them to take the goods to his residence, claiming he would arrange an ox-cart to transport the load to the main road for onward transportation.
The Alleged Attack
What followed, according to police findings, was a horrifying act of violence.
Police allege that once at his residence, the suspect attacked the women. One victim was allegedly doused with hot water, while the other was struck with a metal bar. In a final and fatal act, Agness Bwalya was reportedly stabbed in the neck, causing her to die instantly at the scene.
Her colleague, Jane Lungu, though severely injured, was rushed back into Zambia but later succumbed to her injuries at Chipata Central Hospital, leaving families on both sides of the border devastated.
Items Stolen and Suspect’s Escape
Investigations further revealed that the suspect allegedly fled the scene with a black bag belonging to the victims. The bag reportedly contained:
K1,000 in cash
A smartphone
Painkillers
The suspect reportedly disappeared after the incident, prompting an intensive manhunt that eventually led to his arrest in Lusaka.
Cross-Border Crime and Security Concerns
This case has reignited concerns over the safety of cross-border traders, particularly women who rely on informal trade for survival. Many Zambians regularly cross into neighboring countries such as Malawi to trade agricultural goods, often without formal protection or security guarantees.
The brutality of this crime has raised urgent questions about:
Cross-border policing coordination
Protection of informal traders
Community awareness and safety measures
The need for stronger bilateral security cooperation
The Road to Justice
Police have assured the public that the suspect will face the full force of the law once investigations are concluded. Legal processes are expected to involve cooperation between Zambian and Malawian authorities, given that the crime occurred outside Zambia but involved Zambian citizens.
Families of the deceased, as well as members of the public, have called for swift justice, describing the killings as senseless, cruel, and deeply traumatic.
A Tragic Reminder
The deaths of Agness Bwalya and Jane Lungu serve as a painful reminder of the risks many ordinary citizens face in pursuit of economic survival. As investigations continue, the nation watches closely, hoping that justice will not only be served but that meaningful measures will be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Follow BalanceHub for verified updates, public interest stories, and in-depth national reporting.
📌 Facebook: BalanceHub
📌 Instagram: @balancehub5
📌 WhatsApp Channel: BalanceHub
📌 Blog: BalanceHub4
Comments
Post a Comment