POLICE LAUNCH MANHUNT OVER ALLEGED RAPE OF 80-YEAR-OLD WOMAN IN CHADIZA

POLICE LAUNCH MANHUNT OVER ALLEGED RAPE OF 80-YEAR-OLD WOMAN IN CHADIZA

Police in Chadiza District of Eastern Province have launched a manhunt for a man identified only as Pharaoh, who is suspected of raping an 80-year-old woman in Kasongo Village under Chief Zingalume. Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba said the alleged incident occurred around 23:00 hours on Sunday, April 12, 2026, when the elderly woman, who lives with her grandson, responded to a knock at her door believing it was him returning home.

Mr Mweemba explained that the suspect, who had covered himself with a cloth, forced his way into the house and overpowered the victim before committing the offence. After the attack, the suspect reportedly demanded a chicken from the woman, who complied out of fear. As he attempted to take the chicken, the cloth he had used as a disguise fell off, enabling the victim to recognize him as a man known locally as Pharaoh from the same area.

Following the incident, the victim fled to a neighbour’s house where she spent the night in fear. The matter was reported to Chadiza Police Station the following morning, prompting police to launch investigations. Authorities say efforts are currently underway to apprehend the suspect and bring him to justice.