Unpaid wages ends into cross-border child abduction drama in Zambia’s Lumezi

By Edwin Mbewe

CHIPATA-(MaraviPost)-The Police in Zambia’s Eastern Province have launched investigations into a suspected cross-border child abduction case after a seven-year-old boy was allegedly taken to Malawi by a farm labourer demanding unpaid wages.

The incident, described by authorities as deeply concerning, occurred in Chief Zumwanda’s area of Lumezi District and was officially reported to Lumezi Police Post under Lundazi Police Station on Tuesday evening.

Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba confirmed the development, identifying the missing child as Lenard Phiri, seven, son of Webson Phiri, 45, of Ackim Village.

Police allege that the suspect, Yohane Nkhoma, 27, a Malawian national from Chief Kazyozyo in Mchinji District, Malawi, abducted the child and crossed the border into Malawi without the consent of the parents.

Investigations reveal that Nkhoma reportedly arrived in Zambia in September 2025 seeking employment in tobacco farming and was later hired at Ackim Farm in Chief Zumwanda’s area.

According to police, events took a shocking turn on the morning of the incident when the child’s father travelled to Lundazi District on personal business while the mother attended a funeral, leaving the suspect alone with the children at home.

When Webson Phiri returned around midday, he reportedly discovered that his seven-year-old son had vanished.

Police say the suspect allegedly informed another worker, identified as Friday Phiri, that he had taken the child to Malawi because his employer had failed to pay him following the end of the farming season.

Authorities believe the alleged abduction may have been triggered by the salary dispute between the suspect and his employer.

The child’s father has since expressed fears over the safety and wellbeing of his son, saying he is deeply worried about what could happen to the juvenile while in the suspect’s custody.

Police have since opened an inquiry file, and investigations into the matter are continuing as efforts intensify to trace both the suspect and the missing child.

Maravi Post Reporter

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