Chingola mother faces manslaughter after baby dies during ‘Akalimba’ removal

POLICE in Chingola have arrested a mother and another woman for manslaughter after an eight-month-old baby died following a traditional procedure to remove tissue beneath his tongue known as “Akalimba”. Police say the baby lost a significant amount of blood after the procedure and was initially taken to Chawama Mini Hospital before being referred to […]

POLICE in Chingola have arrested a mother and another woman for manslaughter after an eight-month-old baby died following a traditional procedure to remove tissue beneath his tongue known as “Akalimba”.

Police say the baby lost a significant amount of blood after the procedure and was initially taken to Chawama Mini Hospital before being referred to Nchanga North General Hospital, where he died on September 22, 2026.

In a statement, Copperbelt Division Police Commissioner Rae Hamoonga said the matter was reported to Chiwempala Police Station the following day by the child’s father, Chanda Chisulo, aged 27.

“The Zambia Police Service in Chingola district has opened a docket of manslaughter following the death of an eight-month-old baby after an alleged traditional procedure involving the cutting of the tissue beneath the tongue. The incident occurred on September 22, 2026 at around 16:00 hours at Nchanga North General Hospital and was reported to Chiwempala Police Station on September 23, 2026 at around 09:40 hours. Police received a report from Mr. Chanda Chisulo, aged 27, of Chiwempala Compound in Chingola who reported the death of his son, Moses Chisulo, aged eight months and ten days,” he said.

Hamoonga said preliminary investigations indicated that on September 18, the baby’s mother, Naomi Kashala, approached Alice Phiri, 39, after suspecting that her child had “Akalimba”.

“Brief facts are that on September 18, 2026, the child’s mother, Naomi Kashala approached Alice Phiri, aged 39, to examine the child after suspecting that he had a condition locally referred to as ‘Akalimba.’ After examining the child, Ms. Phiri allegedly confirmed the condition. On September 21, 2026 at around 08:00 hours, the child’s mother took him to Ms. Phiri’s residence, where the tissue beneath the baby’s tongue was allegedly cut using a razor blade. The child reportedly lost a significant amount of blood and was subsequently taken to Chawama Mini Hospital for medical attention. He was later referred to Nchanga North General Hospital where he unfortunately died,” he said.

Hamoonga said police had since arrested Phiri and Kashala for manslaughter as investigations continued.

He also urged parents to seek appropriate medical care for their children instead of subjecting them to potentially harmful procedures.

“Following the report, police opened a docket of manslaughter and arrested Ms Alice Phiri, aged 39 of Chiwempala Compound together with the deceased’s mother, Ms Naomi Kashala to assist with investigations. The body of the deceased has been deposited at Nchanga North General Hospital Mortuary where it is awaiting a postmortem examination to establish the cause of death. The Zambia Police Service has continued with investigations into the matter and will provide further information as it becomes available. Members of the public are strongly urged to seek appropriate medical attention for children rather than subjecting them to potentially harmful procedures that may endanger their lives,” said Hamoonga.