Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) could have been up in flames or even razed to the ground by a fire that was to be deliberately started by owner of SK guard services, Simolet Kachere, whose company provides security to the hospital.

It is said that Kachere is owed by the hospital money amounting to MK 4 million for the services his security firm have been rendering to the hospital. However, the financially struggling hospital have had nowhere to find the money to use in settling him.

Angered by the development, Kachere went with a gallon of petrol to the hospital on January 4 just to put the whole hospital to flames. He was quickly noticed, however, before executing his plan and was arrested by the police.

Meanwhile, Kachere has been released on bail after paying MK 35, 000 as a bail bond. He has since been charged with attempted arson and conduct likely to cause grievous harm. The sentences carry a maximum of 14 years.