The Zambia Police Service is investigating a case of manslaughter involving the death of a one-year-old child.
Police Spokesperson, Godfrey Chilabi says Clifford Muleya died following an alleged tongue-tie cutting procedure in Chilanga district.
Mr Chilabi explained that preliminary investigations indicate that on September 25, 2026, around 17:00 hours, the child was taken by his mother, Loveness Ngandu, aged 27, to the house of Ms Enn Pitrosi, aged 98, in Chipapa area of Chilanga.
He stated that this was after the mother suspected that the child had a tongue-tie condition, locally known as “akalimba.”
The Spokesperson said the suspected tongue-tie was allegedly cut by Ms Enn Pitrosi at her house and it is further alleged that she used a finger during the procedure, resulting in an injury inside the child’s mouth and subsequent bleeding.
He explained that the child later became weak and was rushed to Kazionele Clinic, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
He said the matter was reported to Chilanga Police Station around 18:00 hours on September 25, 2026 and the police officers visited and inspected the scene.
Mr Chilabi explained that the body of the deceased was subsequently taken to the University Teaching Hospital Mortuary, where it is currently lying pending a postmortem examination.
He explained that Ms Pitrosi has been detained in police custody, and a warn-and-caution statement has been recorded from her as investigations into the matter continue.
“The Zambia Police Service advises members of the public, particularly parents and guardians, to seek professional medical care from qualified healthcare practitioners whenever children require medical attention and avoid allowing unqualified persons to perform medical procedures,” he emphasised.
He explained that the advice follows a similar incident recorded in Chingola on September 22, 2026, in which an eight-month-old child died following an alleged tongue-tie cutting procedure.
