Southern Province Police Commanding Officer, Moono Namalongo, has confirmed a suspected arson incident in Itezhi-Tezhi District of Southern Province, in which a 70-year-old woman narrowly escaped death after her house was allegedly set ablaze while she was asleep.
Mr Namalongo said the matter was reported to Itezhi-Tezhi Police Station on June 11, 2026, by Mrs Lida Nakaluwe of Luubwe Village in Chief Musungwa’s area.
He explained that the victim’s husband had left home for fishing on June 8, leaving her alone at the residence, and on the night of June 11, Mrs Nakaluwe retired to bed at around 19:00 hours.
Mr Namalongo added that at about 01:00 hours, the woman woke up after noticing smoke inside the house and discovered that the grass-thatched roof had caught fire.
He said the victim immediately rushed to the door in an attempt to escape but found that it had been tied from the outside, making it difficult for her to get out.
“She rushed to the door and attempted to open it by pulling it inward, but discovered that it had been tied from the outside. She then forcefully shook the door, which eventually opened, allowing her to escape from the burning house,” Mr Namalongo narrated.
Mr Namalongo further disclosed that police officers who visited the scene established that the one-bedroom grass-thatched house was extensively damaged by the fire, with property worth K17, 500 destroyed.
He, however, indicated that the cause of the fire has not yet been established, but that a docket has been opened.
Mr Namalongo stated that no arrest has been made so far, while investigations into the matter are ongoing.
