Police in Chadiza District have arrested one suspect and rescued a 25-year-old woman who was abducted in a suspected ransom scheme, in a breakthrough that has brought relief to residents during the festive season.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed that Clement Soko, 40, of Mukwekwe Village in Chief Mpezeni’s area, Chadiza District, was apprehended today, 29 December 2025 at about 09:30 hours in Kunadzi Village, Chadiza District.
He says the victim, Edina Phiri, was rescued during a coordinated operation by officers from Chadiza Police Station, after her husband pretended to have mobilized the ransom that the abductors were demanding.
Mweemba told Breeze FM news that the complainant engaged the abductors and negotiated a meeting point at Kumadzi Village, at the home of his mother-in-law, under the guise of completing the ransom payment and securing his wife’s release.
A trap was subsequently set, and officers led by the Officer-in-Charge at Chadiza Police Station booked out at 08:30 hours, arriving at the identified location where the suspect was cornered and arrested.
The operation also resulted in the safe recovery of the victim, who has since been placed under police protection and reunited with her family.
Meanwhile, a second suspect has been identified as Brozio Banda, also known as Ndiwo, a neighbourhood security officer previously stationed under Musupazi Police Post, Chipata Central Police Station, and a resident of Chinyama Village in Chief Mpezeni’s area, Chipata District.
Banda is currently on the run, and police have launched a manhunt to ensure he is brought to justice.
-Breeze FM