Fire Destroys Shops Worth K1.9 Million in Nkeyema

Police in Western Province are investigating a fire that destroyed shops at Ngombo Complex in Nkeyema District, causing property damage estimated at more than 1.9 million kwacha.

The fire broke out at around 01:33 hours on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Section Number One along the Mongu–Lusaka Road.

Western Province Police Commissioner GODFREY MWANZA says police received a report from 44-year-old TITUS CHILINDA, who was awakened by unusual noise from the market area.

Mr. MWANZA says Mr. CHILINDA went outside to investigate and discovered that the complex was on fire.

He says police officers rushed to the scene and, with the help of members of the public, managed to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings.

Mr. MWANZA says preliminary investigations and witness interviews suggest that the fire may have started at Diva’s Restaurant after braziers were allegedly left burning unattended.

He says police have opened an inquiry file and investigations are continuing to establish the cause of the fire.

Mr. MWANZA has urged business owners and members of the public to take precautions when using braziers, open flames and other heating devices to prevent similar incidents.