A 32-year-old man of Lumpa Village in Mansa District is in police custody, accused of murdering his 59-year-old uncle over a K4,500.
Luapula Province Police Commanding Officer Godfrey Mwanza confirmed the development to the media that the suspect, identified as Laston Bwalya, allegedly killed his uncle, Levy Malundika, following a dispute over maize payments.
Mr Mwanza revealed that the matter came to light on March 27, 2026, when Mansa Central Police received a missing person report.
Details are that Mr Malundika had travelled to Mansa Town to follow up on payments for maize he supplied to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) but never returned home.
“Investigations revealed that Mr Malundika was living with his nephew, who later became a suspect in the matter,” Mr Mwanza told the media
He said that on April 1, 2026, police officers, accompanied by family members, searched the deceased’s residence where items including beddings, a mattress, documents, and a door curtain stained with suspected blood were recovered as exhibits.
He said a further search led to the discovery of the deceased’s National Registration Card, two SIM cards, and a mobile phone.
Mr Mwanza explained that the suspect allegedly killed his uncle on January 16, 2026, around 12:00 hours, using a hammer.
”He then got over K4,500 and reportedly buried the body in a shallow grave approximately 20 metres from the house, within the same yard,” he said.
He stated the suspect then led police to the burial site, where the scene was secured pending exhumation.
The Police Chief said on April 11, 2026, the body was successfully exhumed and a post-mortem examination was conducted by a pathologist at Mansa General Hospital.
He said the body was positively identified by the deceased’s 18-year-old son, a resident of Sumbu Village under Chief Kalasa.
Mr Mwanza added that Preliminary post-mortem findings suggest injuries consistent with foul play and that further forensic analysis, including DNA testing, will be conducted to support ongoing investigations.
The suspect remains in police custody. The deceased’s family has been granted permission to proceed with burial arrangements.
