A 44-year-old woman of Lusaka’s Makeni area, Esther Musonda Phiri, has been charged with child stealing contrary to Section 171(1)(a) of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Zambia Police Service Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi said the charge follows a report made by Astridah Chanda, 33, who alleged that her baby was stolen by an unknown woman on October 28, 2025 around 15:00 hours in the Mbasela area of Kanyama Compound.

Mr Chilabi said that on November 14, 2025, police conducted an intelligence-led operation that resulted in the apprehension of the suspect, Esther Phiri.

Investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly renamed the child “Jenipher Monta Mwila” and forged documents, including an Under-Five Card, which she used to falsely present the child as her own.

“In line with police standard operating procedures, DNA tests were conducted by the National Forensic Science and Biometrics Department to establish the biological mother of the child. Samples were collected from the child, the complainant and the suspect,” Mr Chilabi said in a statement issued in Lusaka.

He said DNA analysis confirmed Astridah Chanda as the biological mother of the six-week-old baby girl who was reported stolen last year.

Mr Chilabi added that Esther Phiri has since been formally charged, while investigations into additional charges of forgery and uttering false documents related to the falsified Under-Five Card are ongoing

He said the child is currently under the temporary care of the Department of Social Welfare pending court proceedings, and reiterated the police’s commitment to protecting children through evidence-based investigations.

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