18/02/2026
DBR ONLINE UPDATE: Suspect Charged in Hellen Kaunda Fatal Bee Attack Case
LUSAKA 18 February 2026 — The Zambia Police Service has formally charged and arrested a 60-year-old man, Gratias Matunda Paschal, in connection with the fatal bee attack that occurred on February 2, 2026, in the Hellen Kaunda residential area of Lusaka. The suspect, a resident of Lusaka, reported himself to the police on February 17, 2026, around 09:30 hours, following a summons issued through his legal representatives.
Investigations into the tragic event reveal that Mr. Paschal allegedly kept bees on a residential plot within Hellen Kaunda without the legally required permits. This unlawful act resulted in the death of 77-year-old Judith Malango, who succumbed to multiple bee stings, and caused significant harm to several other residents in the vicinity. A postmortem examination conducted on February 3 confirmed that the cause of Mrs. Malango's death was indeed the multiple stings sustained during the attack.
The suspect now faces serious legal consequences, including one count of Manslaughter and three counts of Unlawful Acts Causing Harm. These charges are brought under the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia, as read with the Animal Health Act No. 27 of 2010. The additional charges relate to the injuries sustained by three other victims identified as Mambwe Mwansa, aged 28, Martin Kalenga, aged 45, and Miyanda Sunga, aged 48, all of whom are residents of the Hellen Kaunda area.
In an official statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi, the Service expressed gratitude to the residents of Hellen Kaunda and the affected families for their patience and cooperation throughout the investigative process. The police also acknowledged the interagency support provided by the Lusaka City Council. The suspect remains in police custody pending his appearance in a court of law.
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