03/02/2026
COFFIN DISCOVERED IN TO***CO FIELD IN CHIPANGALI DISTRICT
By ZR Reporter
Police in Chipangali District of Eastern Province are investigating a mysterious incident in which a small coffin was discovered in a to***co field at Mulangeni Farm in Chief Chanje's Chiefdom.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed the incident, stating that it occurred between 1st February, 2026, at about 18:00 hours and 2nd February, 2026, at around 07:30 hours.
Brief facts are that Benjamin Banda, aged 52, on 2nd February, around 07:30 hours, went to his Virginia to***co field to remove suckers from the crop.
While inspecting the field to determine where to begin work, he noticed a concentration of green flies in one section of the field.
Upon moving closer to investigate, Mr. Banda discovered what appeared to be a small coffin lying in the field, placed on top of to***co leaves and covered with blue, red, and yellow chitenge material.
Mr. Banda first attempted to contact the local Headman, Mr. Elias Nyirongo, commonly known as Kanyenda, but his calls did not go through. He then reported the discovery to Chief Chanje, who advised him to personally inform the Headman.
Mr. Banda went to the Headmanβs residence but did not find him at home. He later located the Headman in his field, where he informed him about the discovery, stating that he had been sent by Chief Chanje.
The Headman accompanied Mr. Banda to the to***co field and confirmed the presence of the coffin. He immediately informed Chief Chanje of the development, and the Chief advised that a traditional doctor be engaged to handle the matter.
A traditional doctor, Mr. Alfred Phiri, also known as Mulufela Manyazi, was taken to the field and conducted traditional practices.
According to Mr. Banda and the Headman, the coffin allegedly reduced in size after the rituals. The traditional doctor later collected the coffin and took it to Chief Chanjeβs palace.
Subsequently, in the presence of office