Mongu man detained for rape, murder of pupil
By Akende Akakenda
POLICE in Mongu have arrested a 23-year-old man in connection with the alleged rape and murder of a 19-year-old Grade 11 pupil.
Western Province police commissioner Godfrey Mwanza confirmed that Likezo Likezo had been detained to assist with investigations into the murder of Imbuwa Imbuwa.
Mwanza said the pupil’s body was thrown into the Hoha River, where it was later mauled by a crocodile.
“The suspect is identified as Likezo Likezo and has since been detained to assist with investigations into the alleged rape and murder of Imbuwa Imbuwa, 19,” he said.
Mwanza said the incident happened around 01:00 hours on Sunday.
Mwanza said two witnesses found Likezo holding Imbuwa’s handbag after they rushed towards where calls for help were coming from.
“Likezo allegedly told the two witnesses, Namwene Mubita, 27, and her younger brother Nawa Mubita that Imbuwa had dived into the river. Shortly thereafter, witnesses reported hearing a crocodile feeding across the river. Upon getting closer, they spotted Imbuwa’s body in the jaws of a crocodile,” Mwanza said.
He said Nawa and Namwene managed to scare the crocodile away before retrieving the body from the water.
Mwanza said the body was taken to Malo fishing camp before police were alerted.
“Imbuwa’s body was retrieved from the river without clothing, while her clothes were found about 800 metres from the fishing camp,” he said.
Mwanza said members of the community along with the neighbourhood watch team apprehended Likezo and detained him at the fishing camp until police arrived.
Mwanza said initial investigations indicated extensive crocodile bite injuries, including the complete detachment of the victim’s left limb and severe fractures to other parts of her body.
He said police have not ruled out the suspected sexual assault as investigations into the alleged rape and murder continue.
