Police in Zambia have arrested three sisters and other two girls for setting ablaze house of a 52-year-old man identified as Mr Chipisha Samondela, who is also their brother on suspicion of witchcraft.

North-Western Province deputy commissioner of police Dr Fred Mulenga, has identified the suspects as Grace Samondela, Beauty Samondela, Kavuyi Samondela, Jessica Muti, and Christopher Chisekela.

Mulenga said the incident happened on Friday around 10:00 hours at Kachacha Village in Mukandankunda area.

He said the reason for burning the house and slashing a maize field was that the victim has been accused of being behind the sickness of Mr Harry Samondela, a relative.

Dr Mulenga said the victim reported that his house and properties valued at K13, 320 had been burnt to ashes by his three sisters and two others.

“The other two suspects are his neighbours,” said Dr Mulenga.

The suspects will appear before court soon.