AN 81-year-old man of Lusaka has been murdered by his young brother who accused him of bewitching a child.

Tilimuka Sakala of Westwood area was murdered on suspicion that he was responsible for his nephew's illness. The assailant used an axe handle.

Police spokesperson Elizabeth Kanjela, said Brison Sakala attacked his brother upon returning from a witchfinder where his son had been taken for treatment.

Mr Sakala's wife found him lying in a pool of blood after Brison asked that they be excused as he wanted to have a word with his brother.

Meanwhile, two children have drowned in a pit at Nanga farms in Mazabuka.

The children aged 12 and 13 went to swim and were later found floating in the pit.

And an 18-year-old man of Muchinga Province has been arrested for defiling a 10-year-old girl.

Police said another 14-year-old boy was arrested in Western Province for allegedly defiling an eight-year-old girl.

The juvenile invited the victim to play with him and in the process defiled her.