A 35-year-old woman of Lukupa Village in Chief Mapanza's area is in police custody for allegedly sexually exploiting a 17-year-old boy whom she cohabited with as husband and wife for over six months.
Southern Province Commanding Officer Moono Namalongo confirmed the arrest, saying the matter was reported at Choma Central Police Station on June 16, 2026, at approximately 13:10 hours by the juvenile's 54-year-old father.
The complainant alleged that between November 30, 2025, and June 16, 2026, the suspect took his son into her home and kept him as a partner.
Mr Namalongo said the father repeatedly engaged the woman and advised her to release the boy, who is still a child under parental care. However, the suspect allegedly refused, prompting the matter to be reported to the police.
Upon receiving the report, police officers visited the suspect's residence but found that the juvenile had left for an unknown destination. The suspect was apprehended and interviewed.
During the interview, the woman claimed that the 17-year-old had proposed a romantic relationship to her and that she had accepted his proposal.
The suspect has since been detained and charged with sexual exploitation of a child, contrary to Section 19(a) of the Children's Code Act No. 12 of 2022.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing, Mr Namalongo said.
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