July 7, 2024 –
A man of Lusaka’s Meanwood Chamba Valley was burnt and died inside the motor vehicle he was driving after it caught fire along PHI road near Hybrid roundabout.
In a statement, Police Deputy Public Relations officer Danny Mwale said the incident happened on July 6, 2024 around 20:00 hours.
He said police officers investigating the incident revealed that Nkowani Nhtinkani, aged 48, was driving a Toyota Runx with his wife and their 16-year-old son on board when the vehicle caught fire while in motion.
Mr. Mwale stated that their son escaped without injuries leaving his parents inside the burning vehicle. Members of the public who responded to the incident only managed to rescue his wife while efforts to help Mr. Nhtinkani out proved futile.
He said the motor vehicle was completely destroyed by fire with the victim inside and Mr. Nhtinkani remains were picked by Police officers who rushed to the scene and deposited at the University Teaching Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem while his wife, who sustained severe burns all over her body, is receiving treatment at Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital.
Mr. Mwale noted that investigations to establish the actual cause of fire have been instituted.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mwale said a 66-year-old man of Barlastone Park in Lusaka has been detained in connection with the offence of failing to secure a firearm.
Mr. Mwale explained that on July 6, 2024 around 17:00 hours, a Security guard deployed at East Park Mall informed Police officers on patrol that there was a motor vehicle, a Nissan Fuga, which had its front window open with a Pistol on the passenger’s seat.
He said police officers picked and secured the firearm while the motor vehicle was clamped.
Mr. Mwale added that around 21:00 hours, Paul Moonga presented himself to Police officers and claimed ownership of the firearm and motor vehicle.
Mr. Mwale said Moonga was detained as investigations to establish the actual owner of the firearm and motor vehicle are ongoing.
And Mr. Mwale stated that the motor vehicle, bearing registration number BAX 7809, is parked at the Police Station for safe custody.
