A 42-year-old woman in Chasefu District has been left homeless after her house was set ablaze amid a land dispute.
The incident happened on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in Bulwe Village.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed in a statement that the victim, Agnes Thole, reported being attacked by a group led by 47-year-old Gilbert Phiri.
He says the attackers allegedly broke down the walls of her one-room thatched house with logs before setting it on fire. Property worth about K3,750 was destroyed.
Police say the arson stemmed from a long-running land dispute. Ms. Thole had settled on the land in August 2025 after it was allocated to her by Headman Reuben Banda of Bulwe Village, but the area was also claimed by Headman Kamokamo Msimuko of nearby Limbalimba Village.
Ms. Thole says she had earlier received threats to vacate the land and was helpless as her home burned down. Phiri is in police custody while investigations continue to trace his accomplices.
By Samuel Khwawe.
