A MAN in Kitwe has died after he set himself ablaze during a domestic dispute with his wife.

Christopher Kaleya of Twatasha Township is believed to have killed himself yesterday after suspecting that his wife was having an affair with another man.

His cousin, Jimmy Botha said Mr Kaleya went to seek services of a prophet on Wednesday where he was informed that his wife was cheating on him.

Upon arrival at his home, Mr Kaleya attempted to stab his wife with a knife and his seven-year-old son but the neighbours intervened.

"My cousin Christopher killed himself today (yesterday) around 06:00 hours after suspecting his wife of having an affair with another man, when it was not true," he said.

Mr Botha said he was called by neighbours to stop the fight and he managed to calm his cousin down.

He said he also took Mr Kaleya's family to his house for safety.

Neighbours noticed smoke was blowing from the house yesterday around 06:00 hours.

They forced the door open and found Mr Kaleya severely burnt and lying unconscious.

Mr Botha said police officers took him to Kitwe Central Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The deceased is believed to have left a message that if his cousin (Mr Botha) does not show up early, he would kill himself.

Copperbelt police chief Mary Tembo had not received the report by Press time.