A 20-YEAR-OLD rape suspect of Lusaka, Earnest Mubanga, has absconded treatment at University Teaching Hospital (UTH), where he was admitted three days ago. UTH spokesperson, Natalie Mashikolo confirmed the disapearance of the suspect in an interview.

She said the hospital is not in a position to explain the circumstances in which the suspect disappeared from the hospital “He was admitted three days ago and he was in police hand-cuffs. We are wondering how he went missing,’’ she said. The suspect disappeared on Sunday and no-one knows where he has gone.

Ms Mashikolo said the patient was taken to the UTH by the police three days ago and was under guard 24 hours. The sister in charge found a note by the bed-side of the abscondee stating that he had been cleared of the rape charges. Ms Mashikolo said the UTH management has since reported the matter to UTH police post to help establish the where-abouts of the suspect.

Lusaka Province Commissioner of Police Nelson Phiri said the police have instituted investigations into the matter.