A 51-year-old man of Mabungula in Twapia area, Ndola District, has been arrested for alleged arson after he reportedly set his family house ablaze during a domestic dispute.
Copperbelt Police Commissioner Rae Hamoonga has confirmed that the incident occurred on 26th August, 2026, around 16:30 hours at Farm No. 7, Mabungula, Twapia area, and was reported to Twapia Police Station at 17:52 hours on the same day.
He says the matter was reported by Maliseni Kapindula, aged 40, who alleged that her husband, Dickson Mutepuka, deliberately set their house on fire, resulting in the destruction of the house and all household goods.
Mr. Hamoonga says the total value of property destroyed has not yet been ascertained.
He says preliminary investigations indicate that the couple was drinking beer at their residence with their son-in-law. During the gathering, the complainant prepared nshima for the son-in-law but allegedly did not serve her husband, which reportedly led to a misunderstanding between the couple.
He revealed that the roof caught fire, prompting the complainant to call neighbours for assistance in extinguishing the blaze.
He says by the time assistance arrived, the fire had spread throughout the house, reducing the structure and all household property to ashes.
Mr. Hamoonga says fortunately, no loss of life or injuries were recorded in the incident.
He says police officers acted on the report and opened a docket.
The suspect has since been arrested and is in police custody as investigations into the matter continue.
By Respite Kaoma
