32-year-old man detained for goat theft found dead in police custody in Zambia

A 32-year-old man, Philison Kahalu, was found dead in his cell at Kitwe’s Zamtan Police Post after a four-day detention.

Kahalu had been arrested for attempting to steal a goat.

According to Copperbelt Province police, Kahalu hanged himself using a pair of socks attached to a burglar bar.

He was part of a group of suspects caught trying to slaughter a goat from a farm in Zamtan compound.

The other suspects managed to escape, but Kahalu was apprehended and detained on January 27.

In the early hours of yesterday, other suspects shouted for help after discovering Kahalu’s body.

The deceased was found by 27-year-old Frederick Mulenga who was on his way to the lavatory.