Lusaka Police Detain 18-Year-Old Domestic Worker Over Alleged Assault of Toddler

Police in Lusaka have detained an 18-year-old woman in connection with the alleged assault of a two-year-old child in her care.

The suspect was apprehended on Thursday after the child's mother reported the matter at Kabwata Police Station. Preliminary investigations indicate she was employed as a domestic worker and looked after the child while the mother was at work, a role she had reportedly held since the girl was about 10 months old.

The case came to light when a relative found a video on the suspect's mobile phone that allegedly showed her whipping the child. The relative alerted the mother, who went to the police. The child has since been medically examined, and a medical report has been obtained.

In a statement, the Zambia Police Service said that "the suspect remains in police custody pending formal arrest and charging."

Police Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi, who issued the statement, said the Service "reaffirms its commitment to protecting children from all forms of abuse and violence." He added that police "will take appropriate action in accordance with the law against any person found to have committed such offences."