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Police in Mpika are investigating a case of riotous behaviour, arson, and malicious damage to property that occurred on Wednesday morning, October 29, 2025, around 08:00 hours at Site and Service Compound in Chief Chikwanda’s area, Mpika District.
Police Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, said the incident was reported to Mpika Police Station at 10:00 hours by Ronald Musonda, aged 55, of Site and Service Compound, Chief Chikwanda, Mpika District in Muchinga Province.
In a statement issued in Lusaka, Hamoonga said Musonda reported that unknown persons burnt his two motor vehicles — a Mitsubishi Fuso registration number ALM 2344 valued at K450,000 and a Toyota Corolla registration number ABX 7391 valued at K35,000.
He added that the suspects further damaged windows at Musonda’s house and looted household property whose total value is yet to be established.
“Facts of the matter are that on the same date around 05:00 hours, the complainant’s daughter, Gift Mwenge, aged 25, woke up and went outside to lock up the dogs,” explained Hamoonga.
He said upon stepping out, Mwenge discovered a small coffin placed at the doorstep and immediately alerted her father, who after confirming the discovery, reported the matter to Mpika Police Station.
Hamoonga stated that after news of the incident spread within the community, a mob gathered at Musonda’s residence accusing him of witchcraft.
“The mob later turned riotous, setting his two motor vehicles ablaze, damaging the house, and looting various household items,” Hamoonga said.
He noted that police officers rushed to the scene and managed to disperse the crowd, restoring order in the area.
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Hamoonga said the situation had since been contained, and that the victim together with his family were placed under police protection at Mpika Police Station.
“A docket of case has been opened and investigations are underway.
Preliminary findings suggest that the coffin may have been placed at the victim’s doorstep by individuals believed to be his jealous enemies, a matter which police are probing further,” he said.
Hamoonga condemned the acts of mob justice and reminded members of the public that taking the law into their own hands was a criminal offence.
He further urged citizens to report any suspicious occurrences to the police and allow lawful processes to take their course.
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