By White Luhanga
A 28-Year-Old businessman in Chipata District of the Eastern Province has narrowly escaped death when his business partner allegedly hit him with a motor vehicle over a K10,000 shortage.
Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba confirmed the incident, stating that it occurred yesterday, October 22, 2025, around 20:40 hours in the Mchenga area along the Malawi Road in Chipata District.
Mr. Mweemba says Blessings Phiri of Dam View area, reported that Jabes Sakala of Mtenguleni Village attempted to kill him by hitting him with a Toyota Corolla.
The incident stemmed from a business dispute between Phiri and Sakala. Phiri had been employed by Sakala to buy grains on his behalf, and they had been doing business together for some time.
However, on October 21, 2025, at around 11:00 hours, Sakala visited Phiri and discovered a shortage of K10,000, for which Phiri accepted responsibility and agreed to refund the amount. But Sakala demanded immediate payment, which Phiri could not make.
The situation escalated when Sakala grabbed a motorbike from Phiri, which did not even belong to him.
Mr. Mweemba says Phiri tried to resolve the issue by offering to pay K8,000, but Sakala refused and started threatening him.
The following day, the two met at Mchenga turn-off along the Malawi-Chipata road, where Sakala allegedly grabbed Phiri’s phone. When Phiri tried to make peace, Sakala jumped into his vehicle and hit Phiri, causing him to fall to the ground.
Mr. Mweemba says Phiri sustained bruises on both hands and his left leg, as well as general body pains.
He was assisted by onlookers and taken to Chipata Central Police Station to report the incident.
The police have launched an investigation into the incident, and a manhunt is underway to bring the suspect to book.
Zambia Reports 23rd October, 2025