A 21-YEAR-OLD woman of Chipete village in Chembe District and her three year-old daughter have been brutally murdered, allegedly by her brother in-law, in a land dispute.
Luapula Province police commanding officer Pathias Siandenge confirmed the incident, identifying the victims as Janet Chipulu and her daughter, Mirriam Kaluba.
Mr Siandenge said the attack occurred around 07:00 hours on Sunday at Kampende farming area in Chembe District.
He explained that the deceased was working in the field with a neighbour when she was allegedly confronted by her brother-in-law, Francis Mambwe, 35.
“The accused alleged that the victims were illegally cultivating his land and, in the process, attacked them,” Mr Siandenge said.
The suspect is said to have hacked both the woman and her child to death using a hoe.
Janet sustained deep cuts on the neck and shoulder, while her daughter suffered fatal head injuries.
Police investigations revealed that the suspect had recently sold the disputed piece of land to his younger brother, Kaluba Mambwe, who is the husband of the deceased.
Mr Siandenge said the suspect has since been apprehended and is in police custody, while investigations continue.
-ZDM