A 32-year-old man of Lumpa Village in Mansa District is in police custody, accused of murdering his 59-year-old uncle over a K4,500.

‎Luapula Province Police Commanding Officer Godfrey Mwanza confirmed the development to ZANIS, that the suspect, identified as Laston Bwalya, allegedly killed his uncle, Levy Malundika, following a dispute over maize payments.

‎Mr Mwanza revealed that the matter came to light on March 27, 2026, when Mansa Central Police received a missing person report.

‎Details are that Mr Malundika had travelled to Mansa Town to follow up on payments for maize he supplied to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) but never returned home.

‎“Investigations revealed that Mr Malundika was living with his nephew, who later became a suspect in the matter,” Mr Mwanza said.

‎He said that on April 1, 2026, police officers, accompanied by family members, searched the deceased’s residence where items including beddings, a mattress, documents, and a door curtain stained with suspected blood were recovered as exhibits.

‎He said a further search led to the discovery of the deceased’s National Registration Card, two SIM cards, and a mobile phone.

‎Mr Mwanza explained that the suspect allegedly killed his uncle on January 16, 2026, around 12:00 hours, using a hammer.

‎”He then got over K4,500 and reportedly buried the body in a shallow grave approximately 20 metres from the house, within the same yard,” he said.

‎He stated the suspect then led police to the burial site, where the scene was secured pending exhumation.

‎The Police Chief said on April 11, 2026, the body was successfully exhumed and a post-mortem examination was conducted by a pathologist at Mansa General Hospital.

‎Mr Mwanza added that Preliminary post-mortem findings suggest injuries consistent with foul play and that further forensic analysis, including DNA testing, will be conducted to support ongoing investigations.