Police in Lusaka, Zambia, have rescued a man, Titus Kamanga, from an angry mob after he was accused of contributing to the death of his two young children, who allegedly were thrown into a river by his second wife.
The children, aged six and two, reportedly drowned after the suspect, identified as 26-year-old Mary Kachilika, allegedly threw them into the Ngwerere River on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
According to reports, the children’s father was at work at the time of the incident.
Their biological mother, Fanny Kanyinji, was outside the house carrying out chores while the children were inside eating.
She later heard them crying and became alarmed when she realized they were no longer in the house. She reportedly ran toward the river upon discovering their absence.
A fisherman at the scene is said to have witnessed Kachilika allegedly throwing the children into the water. The fisherman reportedly apprehended her shortly after the incident.
Preliminary investigations suggest that jealousy within the polygamous marriage may have motivated the alleged crime. Kachilika, who married Kamanga on January 10, 2025, reportedly had no children of her own, while the first wife had two.
News of the incident quickly spread through Meanwood Kwamwena Phase 4, prompting residents to gather near Kamanga’s residence.
Witnesses said the visibly shaken father was confronted by members of the community, some of whom blamed his decision to take a second wife for the tragedy.
The situation escalated as sections of the crowd allegedly attempted to attack him. MPolice officers who arrived at the scene formed a protective barrier around Kamanga and quickly escorted him into a police vehicle as tensions flared. Witnesses said officers drove him away while parts of the crowd surged forward, threatening violence.
Meanwhile, search operations for the missing children continued, with officers from the Zambia Police Service joined by personnel from the Zambia Army and the Chongwe Council Fire Brigade combing the river.
As of over 24 hours after the incident, the children’s bodies had yet to be recovered.
The suspect remains in police custody, and investigations into the matter are ongoing.
