CHADIZA - A 30-year-old taxi driver from Chadiza District woke up to find his vehicle engulfed in flames after unknown individuals allegedly set it on fire while he was asleep.
According to Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba, the suspected arson occurred between 23:00 hours on Monday and 01:00 hours on Tuesday in Kamwala Compound under Chief Mlolo.
Mr. Mweemba said the victim, Elesani Mivula, had spent the day working as a taxi driver after being hired by clients travelling from Chadiza Market to Kabula Village.
After dropping the passengers off in Chadiza at around 22:30 hours, Mr. Mivula drove home, parked his grey Toyota Corolla, registration number BAJ 4030, valued at K60,000, locked it and went inside to have supper before going to bed.
A few hours later, he was awakened by unusual noises outside his house.
Upon stepping outside, he discovered that the rear section of his vehicle was on fire.
"He immediately discovered that his motor vehicle was on fire. He alerted his wife, Esther Phiri, and together they managed to put out the fire using buckets of water," Mr. Mweemba said.
The fire destroyed the rear section of the vehicle and completely shattered the rear windscreen.
Police officers who visited the scene reportedly found dry grass stuffed underneath the vehicle, which is suspected to have been used to start the fire.
The motive behind the suspected arson remains unknown. No arrests have been made and police have launched investigations into the incident.
Source: Kalemba | By: George Musonda