Police arrest Lusaka pastor, Mulenga, for alleged rape

Police in Lusaka have apprehended and formally charged Pastor Peter Mulenga, a 35-year-old resident of Garden House Compound.

The suspect, a pastor of Prayer House Ministries Church, who also claims to be a lawyer, operates at Mukwasi Private School in Lusaka, was arrested on allegations of rape.

Police Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday.

Police reports that upon being warned and cautioned regarding the offence of rape and further asked concerning his legal credentials, Mulenga opted to remain silent and failed to provide any documentation proving he is a qualified lawyer.

“The arrest follows a report filed on March 14, 2025, at 14:00 hours by an 18-year-old female victim from Mbasela area, Old Kanyama Compound, Lusaka,” Hamoonga said.

He said the victim reported that she was raped by the suspect on two separate occasions—on March 3, 2025, at approximately 10:00 hours and on March 4, 2025, at around 08:00 hours—at the suspect’s residence.

Police preliminary investigations reveal that the victim and her parents are members of the suspect’s church.

“At some point, the suspect requested that the victim stay with his family, claiming he would assist with her education, however, on the mentioned dates and times, when the suspect and the victim were alone at home, he allegedly sneaked into her room and raped her repeatedly,” Hamoonga said.

He stated that the victim later confided in her parents, who facilitated her departure from the suspect’s home and reported the matter to the police.

Hamoonga said medical report was issued as part of the investigation and following his arrest, the suspect is currently in police detention and will appear in court soon.

“The Zambia Police Service reiterates its commitment to ensuring justice for victims of sexual offences and urges the public to report such crimes immediately,” he said

Hamoonga assured that the Police would ensure swift and timely legal action taken against the perpetrators.

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