DRAMATIC RESCUE AS POLICE SHOOT TWO WOMEN, REUNITE STOLEN BABY BUKATA WITH MOTHER
A mother’s desperate search for her missing three-month-old baby has ended in relief after police in Lusaka rescued little Bukata and reunited her with her mother, three days after she was allegedly stolen by a woman who had promised her mother employment.
The dramatic rescue operation in Kabangwe saw police shoot and wound two female suspects who allegedly resisted arrest, with one reportedly throwing a kitchen knife at officers.
The suspects, identified as Clara Mumba, 23, and Gift Chileshe, 30, were found with the infant following investigations into her disappearance on October 9, 2026.
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According to Assistant Police Spokesperson Chipo Kaitisha, the baby’s mother, Beatrice Lengalenga, had travelled from Katondo in Kabwe District to Lusaka after being lured by an unidentified woman with promises of employment.
Upon reaching the City Market area, the woman accompanied the mother and her baby to a salon, where Lengalenga was offered hairdressing services.
While the unsuspecting mother was having her hair done, the woman offered to look after little Bukata before allegedly disappearing with the infant.
What was supposed to be a journey of hope in search of employment suddenly turned into every mother’s nightmare.
Police immediately launched investigations, using intelligence-gathering techniques that eventually led them to Kabangwe, where the two suspects were located.
However, the rescue operation reportedly turned violent when the suspects resisted arrest. Mumba allegedly threw a kitchen knife at officers, while Chileshe attempted to escape.
Police fired warning shots before shooting both women in the legs after they allegedly failed to cooperate.
The suspects were rushed to the University Teaching Hospital, where they are receiving treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.
In a heartwarming conclusion to the ordeal, little Bukata was safely reunited with her mother and taken to the hospital for medical examination.
Police have confirmed that investigations are continuing.
For a mother who travelled to Lusaka hoping to secure a better future for her family, the greatest blessing is returning home with her precious baby safely in her arms.