A-52-year-old woman of Mthilasembe Compound in Chipata District has lost her makeshift shop worth K2,000 after it was destroyed by fire in the early hours of today.
Zambia Police Service Eastern Province Commanding Officer, Robertson Mweemba said the incident occurred around 02:00 hours.
Mr Mweemba said the matter was reported at Nabvutika Police Post, under Chipata Central Police Station, by the shop owner, Beatrice Chulu.
He said Ms Chulu was sleeping at her residence when she heard a noise outside and went to investigate.
Mr Mweemba said she discovered that her shop, locally known as a kanthemba, was on fire, while neighbours had already started pouring water in an attempt to extinguish the flames.
However, their efforts failed to contain the fire, resulting in the shop being completely burnt to ashes.
He said police officers visited the scene and confirmed that the shop had been destroyed.
Mr Mweemba said investigations into the incident were ongoing.
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