A 29-year-old man from Chingola has been arrested for allegedly raping his 21-year-old pregnant stepsister.

The attack reportedly took place on Monday around 21:00 hours at an unmarked house in the Mountain Area, Kapisha Compound, Chingola District.

Copperbelt Police Commanding Officer Peacewell Mweemba confirmed the arrest.

Revealing that the six-months-pregnant victim sustained severe injuries, including pain in her private parts, stomach, and neck.

According to the police, the victim had been sleeping in her bedroom at her parents’ house with her three-year-old daughter when the horrifying ordeal unfolded.

At the time, her father was at work, and her stepmother was at the market conducting business.

“While she was asleep, she felt someone touching her and woke up to find her stepbrother on top of her,”

“He quickly grabbed her by the neck and forcibly had unlawful carnal knowledge of her.

Despite her desperate struggles and cries for help, no one was immediately available to assist her.”

Child’s cry for help

The victim’s three-year-old daughter, awakened by the commotion, began crying and ran outside, alerting a nearby neighbour.

The concerned neighbour rushed into the bedroom and caught the suspect in the act.

Realizing he had been discovered, the suspect fled the scene before he could be apprehended.

The matter was swiftly reported to the nearest Police Post, where a medical report form was issued to the victim for further examination.

Meanwhile, the suspect was tracked down and taken into custody.

Authorities have condemned the attack, describing it as an appalling act of betrayal.

The community remains in shock, with many calling for justice to be served swiftly.

As investigations continue, the case has sparked intense discussions about the safety of women, especially those in vulnerable situations.