An internal auditor with Chadiza Town Council, David Phiri, has been found dead at his plot in Mambwe District, Zambia, in what police have described as a suspected suicide.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer, Robertson Mweemba, confirmed the incident, which occurred at about 2am on Sunday, 26 July 2026, in Jumbe Village, Mambwe District.
According to Mweemba, Phiri had travelled to Mambwe while on leave and was staying at the Council Guest House while attending to his plot.
He said the deceased was seen drinking beer and playing pool with friends at a bar in Mambwe’s Central Business District on Saturday, 25 July, before later parting ways with them.
“At about 02:00 hours, nearby residents heard someone screaming from the direction of his plot but did not check on him,” Mweemba said.
Police officers subsequently visited the scene, where the deceased was identified with the assistance of his relatives.
A physical examination reportedly found no visible injuries on the body, although officers detected a strong chemical smell at the scene. Particles suspected to be maize preservative tablets were also found near the body, alongside a bottle of whisky.
Police said the motive behind the suspected suicide remains unknown.
However, Mweemba disclosed that there were unverified allegations that Phiri had allegedly defiled his 15-year-old housemaid in Chadiza before travelling to Mambwe.
He stressed that the allegation had not been confirmed and remained subject to police investigations.
Phiri’s body has since been deposited at the Mambwe District Hospital Mortuary pending burial.
Police have ruled out foul play in connection with the death.
