Lusaka taxi driver arrested for alleged murder of nursing student

Police in Lusaka have detained a taxi driver suspected of involvement in the murder and aggravated robbery of a nursing student on October 24, 2024.

According to authorities, 24-year-old Silvia Nanjela, a student at ZIPS Nursing School, booked a Yango ride around 02:00 hours from Twin Palm to Kamwala South.

Accompanied by a friend who exited the vehicle in Kamwala, Nanjela continued alone to her destination, where the driver allegedly attacked her.

Assistant Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi reported that upon reaching her residence, Nanjela requested the driver to stop by the gate.

As she prepared to pay, taking out K100 from her black handbag, the driver allegedly struck her repeatedly on the head with a bottle.

“She shouted for help, but the driver started the car and drove away with her still inside,” Chilabi stated.

He detailed that Nanjela continued to struggle, calling for help, but the driver repeatedly struck her with another bottle.

In her attempt to escape, she became entangled in the seatbelt, leading the driver to lose control and crash into a drainage.

A good Samaritan noticed the commotion and intervened, prompting the driver to flee with Nanjela’s handbag, which contained K400.

He abandoned his Toyota Vitz, registration number BLB 6050, with the keys inside.

Police arrived at the scene, finding Nanjela with severe head injuries.

She was taken to the University Teaching Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries three days later.

Chilabi confirmed that police investigations led to the arrest of the suspect, who is currently in custody.

The vehicle has been impounded, and the suspect is expected to appear in court soon.

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