14 Arrested for Torching Houses in Lundazi Land Dispute

Police in Lundazi District have picked up 14 arsonists who torched nine houses in an ongoing land wrangle in Pono Village of Mwase Chiefdom, resulting in loss of property worth over K105,000.

The incident occurred between November 3 and November 4, 2025, around 21:00 hours.

Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba confirmed the arson case, saying the suspects are in custody to help with investigations.

Duncan Banda, 34, of Pono Village, reported that his four grass-thatched houses were set on fire by people he identified, including Titus Banda and Charles Bilima, all of Pono Village in Mwase Chiefdom.

Two other grass-thatched houses belonging to Fred Banda were also burnt by the same suspected arsonists. Property that included 10 bags of fertilizer and 50 bags of maize grain, all valued at K80,000, was stolen.

Police say the violence began when officers followed up on a previous case reported last month by Fred Banda, 36, who had earlier complained of destruction to his property by known individuals.