A 65-year-old man of Vubwi District has been arrested and charged with arson for allegedly setting fire to his 28-year-old girlfriend’s grass-thatched house after a dispute fueled by jealousy and alcohol.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed that the incident happened on Saturday evening in Chikoka Village.
It is alleged that the suspect, Samson Mwale, accused his girlfriend, Selenia Lungu, of infidelity after returning home drunk from a bar on Friday.
The quarrel resumed the following day when Mr. Mwale, still intoxicated, insulted the victim.
When Ms. Lungu fled to her landlord’s house for safety, she saw Mr.Mwale carrying a burning bundle of grass to her home, which he set ablaze before retreating to his house about 300 meters away.
Despite efforts by neighbors to put out the fire, the house and property worth K8,000 got destroyed.
By Samuel Khwawe
