A FIVE-YEAR-OLD child has tragically died in a house fire that occurred on Friday evening in Kalomo District, Southern Province, after being left unattended while his father reportedly went to watch a football match.
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Southern Province police commanding officer Auxensio Daka confirmed the death of Joas Muchanga, in a statement.
According to Daka, the child’s mother, Gravy Simpweze, 26, had left her children in the care of her husband, Josen Muntanga, 29, to visit her parents.
However, Muntanga reportedly left the children at a neighbor’s house around 14:00 hours and departed to watch a football match.
The devastating incident occurred around 17:00 hours at Mweebo Village when neighbours noticed flames engulfing Muntanga’s residence.
“Efforts to extinguish the blaze led to the heartbreaking discovery of the remains of Joas Muchanga, aged 5, who had been burnt to death in the fire,” Daka disclosed.
“Muntanga was immediately informed of the incident and returned home, only to confirm the death of his child.”
He then contacted his cousin, Brighton Lusaka, 65, who reported the matter to the police.
The cause of the fire has not yet been established, and investigations are ongoing.
By Sharon Zulu
Picture for illustration
Kalemba July 14, 2025
