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A man who was severely burnt in an assault and arson incident in Lusaka has died in hospital, prompting police to open a murder investigation, authorities said.
Gibson Zulu died on March 9 around 21:30 hours at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment for severe burns and head injuries.
Godfrey Chilabi, spokesperson for the Zambia Police Service, confirmed the death in a statement.
“Following his death, a docket for murder has been opened, and police have intensified the manhunt for the suspect, Allan Chibuye, who remains at large,” Chilabi said.
He added that the body had been deposited in the hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.
“Members of the public with information that may assist in the apprehension of the suspect are urged to report to the nearest police station,” Chilabi said.
The incident occurred in Lilanda Compound in Lusaka, where a fire was detected in the early hours of March 9 around 05:00 hours.
Read More: Police launch manhunt after assault and arson leave man severely burnt
Preliminary investigations indicate that on March 8 around 20:00 hours, landlord Tom Malombo, 32, heard disturbances coming from the residence of the suspect, Allan Chibuye.
When he checked, he allegedly found Chibuye and Zulu, both aged between 26 and 30, engaged in a violent altercation. Attempts by the landlord and neighbours to intervene were unsuccessful, with the suspect allegedly assaulting Zulu and threatening anyone who tried to stop him.
The following morning, Malombo and neighbours noticed smoke coming from the house and forced entry, where they found Zulu on fire with severe burns and his hands and legs bound. Several household items had also been destroyed in the blaze.
Zulu was initially rushed to Matero Level One Hospital before being transferred to Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital for further treatment.
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