Man dies after alleged fight over K3 in Kasenengwa
A man has died in Kasenengwa District after an alleged confrontation over K3 spent on alcohol, with police arresting a suspect in connection with the death.
Kasenengwa, 27 July – Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed the incident, identifying the deceased as Lameck Phiri.
Mr Mweemba said the incident occurred between 22:00 on 24 July and 06:00 on 25 July 2026 in Mulozi Village, in Chief Madzimawe’s area of Kasenengwa District.
Police said the matter was reported to Chipata Central Police Station by Doko Shawa, 53, a village headman, after the suspect’s wife discovered Phiri lying motionless inside her husband’s house while preparing to clean it early in the morning.
Officers who attended the scene found Phiri on the floor of the living room.
Mr Mweemba said a preliminary examination found minor injuries, while the body was later taken to Chipata Central Hospital Mortuary for a postmortem examination to establish the cause of death.
According to preliminary police investigations, Phiri had earlier been with his friends, Samson Lungu and Benson Thole, after the group completed some work in the village.
The men later went drinking at different places, where Phiri allegedly bought bottles of ICE beer on the understanding that Thole would reimburse him K3.
Police said a disagreement arose when Thole allegedly failed to pay the money, saying he did not have the required change.
The disagreement reportedly escalated into a physical confrontation before relatives, including Phiri’s father-in-law, intervened and separated the two men.
However, police allege that Phiri later followed Thole to his home in an attempt to recover the K3.
Mr Mweemba said investigators believe another confrontation occurred at the house, during which Thole allegedly pushed Phiri, causing him to fall.
Police further allege that Thole moved Phiri into the house and covered him with a blanket instead of seeking assistance.
At about 06:00 the following morning, Thole’s wife entered the house to begin her morning chores and discovered Phiri unresponsive.
She alerted the village headman, who subsequently reported the matter to police.
Mr Mweemba said Thole had been arrested and remained in police custody as investigations continued.
Police said he was expected to face a murder charge.
The circumstances surrounding Phiri’s death remain subject to police investigations and the findings of the postmortem examination.
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