Milton Sipalo

Milton Mufungulwa Sipalo (died 19 September 1980), also known as the Lusaka Strangler, was a Zambian serial killer and rapist. The most prolific Zambian serial killer, Sipalo murdered 29 women and girls between January and September 1980. On 16 September 1980, one of his two surviving victims, accompanied by the police, went back to the bus station she was attacked at. She quickly recognized Sipalo as her attacker, and he was arrested. Three days later, Sipalo escaped the clutches of the police officers escorting him and ran to the roof of the police station he was being held at. He then jumped off the building, killing himself.

Murders Sipalo is credited with being the most active serial killer, murdering the most victims out of any serial killer within the shortest amount of time. On average, Sipalo murdered one victim every week.

His modus operandi consisted of luring victims from public areas, typically bus terminals and railway stations, and led them to secluded locations where he would rape and strangle them. He then left the victims in open spaces where they were likely to be discovered. Many of Sipalo's victims had strange mucus or foam oozing from their noses, indicating he could have used chemicals during his attacks.

Investigation By the end of January 1980, investigators realized the murders were connected, although they were unsure if they were the work of a lone perpetrator or a gang. They quickly interrogated all known sex offenders and murderers in the area but found no leads. After more murders occurred, the public became more concerned, and the press, as well as politicians, put pressure on the police to capture the perpetrator. In response, they launched "Operation Rosemary." They advised women through newspaper advertisements and posters to be vigilant of strangers offering to escort them. They also implemented a dusk-to-dawn curfew, limiting the movement of people in Lusaka. Additionally, a reward of K 10,000 was offered to anyone with information leading to the arrest of a suspect.