A 29-year-old man of Chadiza District of Eastern Province has died following an assault believed to have stemmed from a dispute over a dog.
It is believed that the deceased hit the accused’s dog, an action that infuriated him to start beating the victim who ended up falling into a
Drainage.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer, Robertson Mweemba confirmed the incident to the media.
Mr Mweemba said the incident was reported yesterday, April 26 2026, at Chanida Border Police Post.
He identified the deceased as Lefard Phiri 29, of Mkumba Village, Mlolo Chiefdom.
Mr Mweemba said the incident occurred between 20:00 hours and 22:00 hours on 25th April, 2026.
Brief information on the matter is that the deceased was returning home from Chanida Village, where he had visited his brother-in-law, when he encountered Shoes Phiri 25, who was walking with his dog.
“It is alleged that the deceased kicked the dog, which angered the suspect,” Mr Mweemba said.
He said in the ensuing altercation, the suspect allegedly punched the deceased, causing him to fall into a drainage.
“He is further alleged to have followed him and repeatedly kicked him in the stomach. The deceased sustained injuries, including a bruised face and abdominal pain,” Mr Mweemba said.
He said family members were alerted and both the deceased’s father, Stensi Phiri 60, and the suspect’s father rushed to the scene.
Mr Mweemba said the injured man was taken to Chanida Clinic and later referred to Chadiza District Hospital before being transferred to Chipata Central Hospital.
“He arrived at Chipata Central Hospital on the morning of 26th April, 2026, where he was attended to but was pronounced dead around 09:30 hours,” he said.
He confirmed that police have since arrested the suspect in connection with the matter.
“The body has been deposited in the mortuary at Chipata Central Hospital awaiting postmortem examination and burial arrangements,” Mr Mweemba said.
He added that investigations into the matter are ongoing.
