A drinking spree in Lundazi District ended in tragedy after a man accidentally shot and seriously injured his cousin using a homemade shotgun.
The incident involved John Mwale, 46, and his cousin Brighton Mucheleka, 54, who had spent hours drinking together in Tembo Village before the situation took a dangerous turn.
After the drinking session, Mucheleka reportedly asked to borrow a homemade shotgun to scare animals away from his farm. Mwale agreed and went to retrieve the firearm from his bedroom.
However, in the process, the gun accidentally discharged, striking Mucheleka on the left side of his waist and hand. The shooting caused serious injuries, including the loss of one of his fingers.
Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba confirmed the incident, stating that Mwale fled the scene immediately after the shooting while still in possession of the firearm.
Members of the community rushed the injured Mucheleka to Ng’onga Rural Health Centre before he was referred to Lumezi District Hospital and later transferred to Chipata Central Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
Police have since launched a manhunt for Mwale as investigations into the incident continue.
