Three-year-old dies in Kalikiliki house fire as police probe cause

A three-year-old child has died after a house caught fire in Lusaka’s Kalikiliki Compound, with police confirming the incident occurred late on Thursday night.

Mtendere Police Station received a report of the fire on July 17, 2026 around 23:30 hours from a male resident of the area, according to Police Spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire broke out at around 23:00 hours at a house belonging to Nalishebo Simangolwa, aged 28, located near Kalikiliki Baptist Church.

The reporter told police he was asleep when he was awakened by smoke and upon checking outside, he discovered that his neighbour’s house was engulfed in flames and raised an alarm.

“Mtendere Police Station received a report of the incident on July 17, 2026, around 23:30 hours from a male resident of Kalikiliki Compound,” Chilabi said.

He said neighbours responded to the scene and managed to extinguish the fire before it could spread to nearby homes. However, household property was destroyed in the blaze.

“During the incident, Ms. Simangolwa managed to rescue her 11-month-old infant, however, her three-year-old son could not be rescued and was later found dead inside the house after sustaining burns during the fire,” Chilabi said.

He said the deceased had been identified as Tumelo Simangolwa, aged three years and the mother was able to get her infant to safety but was unable to reach her older son in time.

Chilabi said police officers visited and processed the scene and that the body of the deceased had since been deposited at the University Teaching Hospital Mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Investigators have since commenced inquiries to establish the circumstances that led to the fire and the cause of the blaze has not yet been determined.

“The Zambia Police Service extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family during this difficult time,” Chilabi stated.

He said further updates would be provided once investigations were concluded and a post-mortem examination is conducted.

Chilabi appealed to residents to take extra precautions to prevent fire incidents, especially at night, and to report any emergencies to the nearest police station immediately.

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