Three members of the same family have been hacked to death and their bodies burnt in Chisamba, about 50 kilometres north of the Zambian capital Lusaka in circumstances police are yet to establish, barely a week before Christmas.
Central Province police commissioner Standwell Lungu confirmed the horrendous incident that occurred on Tuesday. He said the killers are unknown and the motive has not been established.
Lungu named the deceased as Hildah Kapandula, 57, Luti Kapandula, 10, and two-year-old Chungu Chanda.
Lungu said the fourth victim, nine-year-old Loveness Mutambwa, is battling for her life in hospital.
“A very nasty incident happened in Katatula village in Chisamba where people were hacked to death and then burnt,” he said.
Lungu said police have launched investigations into the matter to bring the culprits to book.
Police have also arrested a man aged 27 years of Nkonje village in the same area for allegedly murdering his friend after a dispute.
Obert Hamalwani is alleged to have killed Fortune Mumeka, 24, police public relations officer Elizabeth Kanjela has said.
Kanjela said the two are believed to have differed and in the process, the suspect hit the victim with a stick. He died on the spot.
She said the body of the deceased is lying in Kabwe General Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem.
Kanjela said the suspect is in police custody and investigations have continued.
Meanwhile, a girl, 11, of Eastern Province has drowned in a stream while playing with friends.
Kanjela said the incident happened on Tuesday around 14:00 hours at Tasala Four township. The victim has been identified as Mailesi Daka.
And Inspector-General of Police Stella Libongani has instructed all provincial commissioners to intensify foot and motorised patrols throughout the country during the festive season.
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