Police launch manhunt after assault and arson leave man severely burnt

The Zambia Police Service has launched a manhunt for a male suspect identified only as Allan following a violent incident involving grievous assault and arson in which his friend, Gibson Zulu, sustained severe burns. Police spokesperson, Godfrey Chilabi, said the incident occurred in Lilanda Compound in Lusaka, with the fire detected in the early hours of March 9, 2026, around 05:00 hours. Preliminary investigations show that on March 8, around 20:00 hours, the landlord, Tom Malombo, 32, heard disturbances coming from Allan’s residence.

When he checked, he found Allan and Zulu, aged between 26 and 30, engaged in a violent fight. Chilabi said attempts by the landlord and neighbours to intervene were unsuccessful, and Allan allegedly assaulted Zulu while threatening anyone who tried to stop him. “The following morning, around 05:00 hours on March 9, smoke was seen coming from the house,” he said.

Malombo and neighbours forced their way in and discovered Zulu on fire, with severe burns, his hands and legs bound. Several household items had also been destroyed in the blaze. Zulu was rushed to Matero Level One Hospital, where he is receiving treatment for severe burns and a head injury believed to have been inflicted by Allan.

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“The Zambia Police Service urges anyone with information that may assist in locating the suspect to report to the nearest police station immediately,” Chilabi said. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

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