A LONGTIME resident of Chipyola Compound in Lundazi District, has been found dead after apparently falling into an unused well within his own yard.
64-year-old Kakunda Zimba, who reportedly stays alone, was last seen in good health by his son, Daniel Zimba, 32, on March 8, 2026, around 18:00 hours.
But when Daniel went to check on his father on March 11, he found the house empty and neighbours said they had last heard Kakunda speaking to himself in a drunken state on the evening of March 8.
The man’s sudden disappearance prompted a missing person report at Lundazi Police Station on March 11.
Despite searches by police and community members, Kakunda could not be found for several days.
It was only yesterday that the horrific truth emerged.
Neighbours were disturbed by a foul smell emanating from Kakunda’s yard and began inspecting the area.
According to Eastern Province Police Commanding officer Robertson Mweemba, the neighbours discovered his body at the bottom of a six-metre deep, overgrown well.
Daniel Zimba was immediately informed and reported the matter to police at around 16:40 hours.
Police, with assistance from the fire brigade, retrieved the body, which was already decomposed.
“The body was retrieved from an unused well within the yard. Preliminary investigations suggest the deceased may have fallen into the well, possibly influenced by alcohol. No foul play has been suspected at this stage,” Mweemba said.
The body was handed over to relatives for burial and an inquiry file has been opened and investigations continue to establish the exact circumstances surrounding Kakunda Zimba’s death.
Kalemba, March 16, 2026
