01/06/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
31st May 2026
TWO TODDLERS DIE IN TRAGIC HOUSE FIRE IN MBALA DISTRICT AS POLICE URGE PARENTS TO ENHANCE CHILD SUPERVISION
The Zambia Police Service in Northern Province wishes to confirm a tragic incident in which two juvenile twins aged two years died after a grass-thatched hut caught fire in Miyemba Village under Chief Nsokolo in Mbala District.
The incident occurred on 31st May 2026 at approximately 0730 hours and was reported to the Police at about 1100 hours by Isaac Simwinga, aged 27, of Miyemba Village.
The deceased have been identified as M/J Simwinga Field and M/J Simwinga Webby, both aged two years and biological twins.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the two deceased juveniles, together with two other children namely F/J Sula Nalwela aged six years and F/J Sila Nachilima aged two years, were playing inside a grass-thatched hut when the structure caught fire and was quickly engulfed in flames.
The two surviving children managed to escape unharmed, while the twins tragically failed to escape and were burnt to death.
Police officers responded promptly to the scene following receipt of the report and found the bodies of the two juveniles burnt beyond recognition. Preliminary findings further suggest that the children had been left without close adult supervision at the time of the incident.
The bodies were inspected at the scene, and the bereaved family and members of the community were counselled accordingly. The bodies have since been released to relatives for burial.
An inquiry file has been opened and investigations into the matter are continuing.
COMMENT
This unfortunate incident serves as a painful reminder of the dangers associated with leaving young children unattended, particularly in environments where there is access to fire, cooking materials, electrical appliances, water bodies, or other potential hazards.
The Zambia Police Service strongly urges parents, guardians, and caregivers to exercise heightened vigilance and responsibility in supervising children at all times. Young children are naturally curious and may unknowingly expose themselves to life-threatening situations when left unsupervised, even for a short period.
Parents and guardians are advised to ensure that:
* Young children are never left alone without responsible adult supervision.
* Matches, lighters, open flames, and other fire sources are kept out of childrenβs reach.
* Children are educated, according to their age, about the dangers of playing with fire.
* Community members remain alert and collectively support efforts aimed at protecting children from preventable accidents.
The safety and welfare of children is a shared responsibility. Through proper supervision and community vigilance, many such tragedies can be prevented.
Issued by:
MR. SIMUNJI MULONDA
COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
NORTHERN DIVISION
ZAMBIA POLICE SERVICE
