By White Luhanga
Barely a day after a 35-year-old man drowned in Chama District while attempting to cross a flooded river after drinking beer, another tragic drowning has been reported in Lusangazi District, where a 23-year-old man has lost his life under similar circumstances.
Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba confirmed the incident, stating that it occurred on Friday, 2nd January 2026, around 17:00 hours, along Kalila Stream in Chief Sandweโs Chiefdom.
The deceased has been identified as Enock Phiri of Mutalika Village.
According to the report, on 2nd January 2026, around 10:00 hours, Enock crossed Kalila Stream to Lundu Village, where he went to drink beer.
Around 17:00 hours, he decided to return home while intoxicated. By then, the stream had flooded due to heavy rains, and other people at the crossing point chose to wait for the water levels to subside.
However, Enock attempted to cross the flooded stream and slipped into the fast-flowing water.
Mr. Mweemba said that people tried to rescue him, but their efforts were unsuccessful as the strong current swept him away.
Police visited the scene and found members of the community searching for the body, which had not yet been recovered at the time of reporting.
Ends….