A 30-year-old suspect, identified as Andrew Likando from Maloni compound, has died while in police custody at Livingstone Central Police Station under circumstances yet to be established.
According to Southern Division Commissioner of Police, Auxensio Daka, the incident occurred on March 16, 2025, at around 22:00 hours.
Likando was arrested on March 3, 2025, after being apprehended by complainant Ackson Tembo and members of the public for alleged burglary and theft. He was handed over to Linda Police Station, along with stolen items that had been recovered.
Before his detention, police officers at Linda Police Station took him to Mosi-oa-Tunya Clinic after he complained of headaches, neck pain, and fatigue, which he reportedly sustained from a mob beating during his capture. After undergoing medical examinations, he was charged and later transferred to Livingstone Central Police Station, where he was scheduled to appear in court on March 17, 2025.
However, he was found dead in his cell before his court hearing.
A physical inspection of his body revealed no visible injuries, apart from foam and saliva around his mouth and nose. Fellow inmates reported that Likando frequently complained of headaches, neck pain, and fatigue and displayed signs of mental instability since his detention.
Commissioner Daka further revealed that prior to his arrest, Likando had been self-medicating for similar symptoms at home, as he lived alone.
His body has been taken to Batoka Hospital mortuary, where a postmortem examination will be conducted to determine the cause of death. Authorities have also launched an inquest to establish the next course of action.