NANCY SIAME, Lusaka
A 34-YEAR-old man and his two children have died while his pregnant wife and two other children are nursing serious burns at Lubwe Mission Hospital in Samfya after their house was set on fire allegedly by his friend after an argument.
The incident occurred around midnight on Sunday whilst the family was asleep.
Luapula Province Commissioner of Police Malcolm Mulenga said in an interview yesterday that the dead children include a two-year-old  and 10-year-old.
“The information gathered so far is that the suspect had earlier picked an argument with the deceased over an undisclosed issue?,” Mr Mulenga said.
He named the deceased as Robinson Chibesa and his daughter Theresa Chibesa both of Lumpo village, Chief Mwewa.
Mr Mulenga named those hospitalised as his wife Eunice Chibesa, 30, and six year old Eugine Chibesa.
“The three sustained deep burns and are admitted to hospital,” Mr Mulenga said.
He said the suspect, only identified as Mweniko, is currently on the run.
Mr Mulenga said the value of the property damaged will only be ascertained when the deceased’s wife is able to talk and give a statement.
“For now, she is unable to talk due to her condition,” he said.