FIRE has destroyed 31 thatched houses and other property at Chimwakaila Fishing Camp valued at K48 million in Chief Mwanachingwala's area in Mazabuka, Southern Province commissioner of police Charity Katanga has said.

Ms Katanga said the 31 houses and other property of Chimwakaila Fishing Camp were burnt to ashes on Monday this week around 09:00 hours.

Speaking in an interview in Livingstone yesterday, Ms Katanga said no life was lost during the fire accident.

"Fire started after a resident Prisca Chiyanga, aged 33, left fish to dry under a fire and went to the harbour which is about 500 metres away from the camp.

The neighbours saw the fire and they tried to stop it but 31 thatched houses and other property were burnt to ashes," Ms Katanga said.

Meanwhile, Ms Katanga said police in Chikankata have arrested a 47-year-old woman for allegedly stealing a 14-day-old baby in the area. Police arrested Seofwa Nganga of John Ng'andu Village in Chief Mender for allegedly stealing 14-day-old Relifer Nganga, on September 16, 2012. Cesar Mazyanga, 22, reported that his daughter Relifer had been stolen after her mother went to draw water and left the baby in the house.

"While the child's mother was away, Seofwa Nganga stole the toddler but she was later arrested and she is currently in police custody, while the baby is in Chikankata Hospital," Ms Katanga said.

And Ms Katanga said police in Livingstone arrested two security officers working at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport for allegedly stealing a cell phone from a South African national.

The suspects Charles Simanda, 47, of C86A Kashitu Extension working as security assistant at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport and Erick Banda, aged 38, of R 128 Maramba Township also working as security assistant at the same airport had been jointly charged with theft by servant.

Ms Katanga said the two suspects stole the mobile phone valued at K5 million a property of a South African national from Cape Town Michael Fabriciosius.

"As the South African national was passing through the airport, he discovered that his cell phone was missing but it was later discovered without a sim card and a battery.

"The police then moved in and arrested four people but two were released after investigations," she said.

She said the two security offices were currently on police bond but they would not appear in court because management at the airport had indicated that they would resolve the matter administratively.