CHAMA MAN ARRESTED FOR BURNING HOUSE ON SUSPICION THAT OWNER WAS SLEEPING WITH HIS WIFE
A 28-year-old man has been arrested in Chama District for allegedly setting fire to a four-room grass-thatched house after accusing the owner of having sex with his wife.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed the incident, which occurred around 01:00 hours on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at Kajumba Village under Chief Kambombo.
Mr Mweemba said the house, belonging to 51-year-old Joseph Kalumbi, was burnt together with property valued at K22,347.
He said prior to the incident, Kalumbi had apprehended the suspect after finding him allegedly insulting people at home and handed him over to a Community Crime Prevention Unit member.
Mr Mweemba said while Kalumbi and his family were sleeping, they were awakened by a fire that had engulfed the house.
Mr Mweemba said after Kalumbi handed the suspect over to a Community Crime Prevention Unit member, the suspect later escaped. A search was conducted, leading to his apprehension before he was taken to Chama Police Station.
He said during police interviews, the suspect allegedly told officers that he set the house on fire after finding Kalumbi having sex with his wife.
Mr Mweemba said police opened a docket, visited the scene and subsequently arrested the suspect, who is expected to appear in court soon for the offence of arson.
LR