Heart-broken man sets family house ablaze, leaving 9 severely burned, toddler dead

Police in Kitwe, Zambia, have reported a tragic case of arson where a 47-year-old man, Albert Mubanga, from Kawama Township, set fire to his own house, resulting in severe burns for nine family members and the heartbreaking death of a one-year-old toddler.

Copperbelt Police Chief, Peacewell Mweemba, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that Mubanga used an unknown substance to ignite the fire, which quickly engulfed the property, leaving his family members with severe injuries.

Mweemba revealed that Albert Mubanga and his wife, Beauty Mambwe, had been legally married for several years but faced marital issues beginning in 2020.

Their divorce was finalized in June 2024 at Garnetone Local Court, where it was decided that their assets, including two shops at Kamitondo market and their house, would be distributed.

However, they continued living together while searching for a buyer for the house.

Tensions escalated on July 11, 2024, when Mambwe collected rent from the shops, using the money, which reportedly angered her estranged husband.

This dispute culminated in the tragic event on July 17, 2024, when Mubanga set their house ablaze, burning the property, worth an undisclosed amount.

Following the fire, the victims were rushed to Kitwe Teaching Hospital for treatment.

Tragically, one-year-old Evelyn Kena, the granddaughter of Beauty Mambwe, succumbed to her burns at 06:30 hours on the morning of the incident.

Mubanga’s actions have shocked the community, and the case is set to be heard at Kitwe Subordinate Court on July 30, 2024.

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