News Digest - Thursday, February 26th, 2026

Our nation confronts sobering incidents today, with investigations unfolding into the tragic loss of young lives in a family dispute and the shocking murder of a respected retired military officer, underscoring challenges within our communities and the critical role of law enforcement.

Main Stories

1. Step Mother Accused of Drowning Co-Wife's Children in Ngwerere River
   Police report that Mary Kachilika, 26, allegedly drowned her co-wife's children, aged six and two, in the Ngwerere River within Lusaka's Meanwood area, driven by jealousy stemming from her inability to conceive since joining the polygamous marriage in January 2025; a fisherman witnessed the act and apprehended her, though the children's bodies remain unrecovered despite ongoing search operations.
2. Three Arrested for Murder of Retired Air Force Brigadier General
   Three suspects, including a 19-year-old, are in custody for the murder of retired Zambia Air Force Brigadier General Mike Obistor Mbewe; his body was discovered in a mountainous area of Meanwood Ibex, Lusaka, after suspects allegedly poisoned him, abandoned him, and drove his vehicle away, which was later found abandoned in Chainda leading to their arrest.

Other Notable Stories

• Crime & Justice:
  • Police investigations into the drowning of two children in Ngwerere River are ongoing, with the suspect Mary Kachilika apprehended and search operations for the bodies continuing.
  • Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of retired Brigadier General Mbewe, with preliminary findings suggesting poisoning by suspects Gift Chisenga (24) and Christopher Banda (23), who are now in custody alongside a 19-year-old juvenile.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

• The outcome of police searches for the bodies of the two children in Ngwerere River.
• Progress in the police investigations and subsequent judicial process for both the Meanwood child drowning case and the murder of Brigadier General Mbewe.