Police in Senga Hill District of Northern Province have launched a manhunt for a suspect in connection with the alleged murder of a 52- year -old man in Matunga Village in Senior Chief Nsokolo’s chiefdom.

Northern Province Police Commanding Officer, Simunji Mulonda, confirmed the development in a statement released to ZANIS in Kasama.

Mr Mulonda disclosed that the case was reported at Senga Hill Police Post under Mbala Police Station on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

He said the matter was reported at about 07:00 hours by Josephine Nachula 79, who informed police that her biological son, John Silamve, had died following an alleged assault by Simon Kafungo, a resident of the same village.

Mr Mulonda added that preliminary investigations revealed that in November 2025, the deceased and the suspect entered into an agreement in which Silamve gave Kafungo a piece of land in exchange for one bag of fertiliser.

He further revealed that it is alleged that the fertiliser was never delivered and that on June 20, 2026, at about 16:00 hours, Silamve went to Kafungo’s residence to demand for it.

The Northern Province Police Commanding Officer said in the process, a dispute reportedly arose and turned violent, with the suspect allegedly assaulting the deceased using fists and kicks.

Mr Mulonda disclosed that the deceased complained of severe stomach and chest pains after the incident and remained unwell until June 24, 2026, at about 04:00 hours when he passed away.

“The suspect fled after committing the offence and is currently on the run,” he said.

He also appealed to anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect to report to the nearest police station, assuring that the Zambia Police Service remains committed to bringing all those involved to justice.