A women’s rights advocate has condemned the brutal mob killing of Ms. Hellen Kamutumbe, describing the act as a reflection of growing moral decay in society.
Njavwa Chibeka, Executive Director of the Limitless Foundation, said the incident highlights the dangers of mob justice and the failure to uphold the principle of “innocent until proven guilty.”
She said that the murder was over false allegations, and that no one is stealing private parts, adding that the trend should be stopped.
Chibeka urged law enforcement agencies to ensure convictions are secured, warning that failure to punish offenders would embolden future acts of mob justice.
She also called on civil society organizations to support government efforts in raising awareness and amplifying victims’ voices.
“This cannot continue, this cannot be tolerated. This is not the Zambia we want, a Zambia that instills fear in its citizens,” she said.
She further added that the Kalumbila mob must serve as an example that mob justice is injustice, not only to the victim but to the nation.
Meanwhile, Zambia Police Service has confirmed the arrest of 259 suspects in connection with the killing as of 25 March 2026, with investigations ongoing and more arrests expected.
Senior Legal Assistant at the Kabwe Municipal Council, Mwape Ronald, emphasized that prosecution is the only legitimate process for determining guilt or innocence.
He explained that the National Prosecution Authority reviews police evidence, formally charges suspects, and must prove cases beyond reasonable doubt before a magistrate or judge.
“The prosecutor represents the state, not the victim, and the court ultimately determines whether an accused person is guilty or not,” Mwape said.
The incident has sparked widespread concern in the Copperbelt and North-Western provinces, where similar cases of mob justice based on false accusations have been reported.