SIX people died in separate road accidents on New Year's Day and the day before.

During the period, 85 accidents were reported countrywide as compared to 58 during the 2011/12 period.

In the accidents reported this year, 14 people sustained serious injuries, 27 slight injuries while 20 vehicles got damaged without anyone being injured or dying.

Police spokesperson Elizabeth Kanjela said the fatal accidents happened in the Copperbelt, Central, Southern and Muchinga provinces.

"Out of the cases reported, Lusaka recorded the highest with 50, Copperbelt 18, North-Western five, Western four with the lowest being Northern, Luapula and Muchinga provinces which recorded one each," Ms Kanjela said.

In Kabompo, police have arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly killing his brother.

Ms Kanjela said Kelvin Yambayamba allegedly beat up his brother, Henry Samalona, aged 19, on New Year's Day around 01:00 hours.

The incident happened at Mandandi village and the body is in Kabompo Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem.