Tragedy in Kitwe as Ex-Convict Allegedly Defiles, Kills Six-Year-Old

The family of six-year-old Scholastica Mulenga of Ipusukilo Township in Kitwe is demanding justice after the child was found murdered in a suspected defilement case.

Relatives allege that the prime suspect is Yowani Bwalya, a cousin to the child’s mother and a known ex-convict who had previously been jailed for a similar offence before being pardoned in 2023. According to the family, Bwalya went missing the same night the child disappeared and has not been seen since.

The child reportedly went missing around 11:00 hours on Friday, February 6, 2026, while at her grandmother’s home. Family members say she had asked for food shortly before she was last seen playing nearby. Her disappearance was only brought to wider family members’ attention later that evening, prompting a search and reports to police.

Her body was discovered the following day in an unfinished building.

Family members further claim that bloodstains and what appeared to be handprints were later found in the suspect’s room after he allegedly fled. They are appealing to law enforcement and members of the public to help locate him so that justice can be served.

Investigations are ongoing.