A MAN in Lusaka’s Lilanda Compound is on the run after setting his friend on fire following a violent fight, leaving the victim with severe burns that later claimed his life in hospital.
The deceased identified as Gibson Zulu, believed to be aged between 26 and 30, died yesterday around 21:30 hours at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment for serious burns and a head injury.
The suspect, identified as Allan Chibuye, is currently on the run and a manhunt has since been launched to bring him to justice.
On Sunday around 20:00 hours, the landlord of the house, Tom Malombo, 32, heard loud disturbances coming from the suspect’s rented room.
When Malombo went to check what was happening, he reportedly found Allan and Zulu engaged in a violent fight.
Attempts by the landlord to intervene proved unsuccessful as the suspect continued assaulting Zulu while also threatening anyone who tried to stop him.
However, the situation took a darker turn in the early hours of the following morning.
Around 05:00 hours yesterday, Malombo and other neighbours noticed smoke coming from the same house.
Suspecting that something was wrong, the residents forced their way into the room only to find Zulu engulfed in flames, with severe burns on his body while his hands and legs were tied.
Several household items in the house had also been destroyed in the fire.
The injured man was quickly rushed to Matero Level One Hospital for emergency treatment before he was later referred to Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital due to the severity of his injuries.
Unfortunately, despite efforts by medical personnel, Zulu later succumbed to the injuries.
Following his death, police have since upgraded the case from grievous assault and arson to murder.
The body of the deceased has been deposited in the mortuary at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital awaiting a postmortem examination.
Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi has confirmed the development and appealed to members of the public with information that could lead to the suspect’s arrest to report to the nearest police station.
“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 stated.
By George Musonda
Kalemba March 10, 2026.
