Jealous woman ‘torches’ K2.2 million tobacco
Alliance One Tobacco Company has lost unprocessed tobacco valued at K2.2 million after a jealous woman set a barn on fire due to marital problems.
The suspected arsonist identified as a 28 year-old Bertha Phiri was not happy that her husband Samson Thom has since February this year been cohabiting with another woman at Lowe Village in the area of Chief Lukwa in Kasungu.
It is alleged that on Friday April 8 this year at around 4pm, Phiri set the barn on fire after being told of divorce and that the husband does not want her anymore to work on the barn.
Kasungu police deputy spokesperson, Harry Namwaza has confirmed the arrest of Phiri of Masengo Village in the area of chief Mwase in the district.
“The husband [Thom] at the start of this growing season took a K1.8 million loan from Alliance One Tobacco Company, and was supposed to pay back after proceeds from selling tobacco. However, for some time the family has been going through marital problems that allegedly forced the husband to relocate to Lowe Village where he was cohabiting with another woman,” said Namwaza.
According to the police publicist, the suspect got bitter when she was further stopped from performing any work on the barn.
Meanwhile, the police claim they are still investigating the matter.
A vibrant writer who gives a great insight on hot topics and issues
