Police arrest seven over Chaminuka Boss Stelios Sardinis murder

223 ViewsLUSAKA – The Zambia Police Service has arrested seven men in connection with the murder and aggravated robbery of Chaminuka Resort Chief Executive Officer Stelios Sardinis. Sardinis, 64, was killed during an attack at Chaminuka Lodge in Chisamba District in the early hours of August 9, 2026. According to police, the incident occurred between […]

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Stelios Shula Sardanis

Godfrey Chilabi

LUSAKA – The Zambia Police Service has arrested seven men in connection with the murder and aggravated robbery of Chaminuka Resort Chief Executive Officer Stelios Sardinis.

Sardinis, 64, was killed during an attack at Chaminuka Lodge in Chisamba District in the early hours of August 9, 2026.

According to police, the incident occurred between 01:00 and 01:15 hours when the suspects allegedly attacked the Chaminuka executive at his residence during an aggravated robbery.

Police Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi said investigations had so far led to the apprehension of seven male suspects, all of whom are residents of Lusaka.

Four of the suspects were apprehended earlier, while three others were arrested in Lusaka on August 11.

“All seven suspects are currently in police custody,” Chilabi said.

Police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the murder and aggravated robbery and are working to establish the specific role played by each of the seven suspects.

The latest development comes three days after Sardinis was killed at the renowned wildlife estate, sending shockwaves through Zambia’s tourism and business communities.

Earlier police investigations established that unknown assailants forcibly gained entry into Sardinis’ residence through the main glass door before breaking into his bedroom.

The attackers allegedly assaulted Sardinis and stole a safe containing documents and valuables, together with an undisclosed amount of money.

Sardinis sustained injuries and was rushed by Chaminuka Resort workers to CFB Medical Centre in Lusaka, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Police had earlier detained a security guard who was on duty at the lodge at the time of the incident as part of their initial investigations.

The latest police statement does not indicate whether the security guard is among the seven suspects currently in custody.

Police have also cautioned against attempts to attach political motives to the case without verified information.

“The Zambia Police Service cautions members of the public against attributing political motives to the matter without verified information,” Chilabi said.

He said the matter was a serious criminal investigation involving the loss of life and should therefore be allowed to proceed professionally.

Police have further appealed to members of the public to refrain from circulating rumours and unverified information, particularly on social media, saying such information could interfere with investigations and cause further emotional distress to the family of the deceased.

Further updates are expected as investigations continue.

Sardinis was the CEO and co-owner of Chaminuka Luxury Lodge and Game Reserve, a major tourism destination located on a vast wildlife estate outside Lusaka.

The Sardanis family has been associated with the property for decades. Chaminuka began as the family’s home in 1978 before opening to visitors in 1998 and growing into a prominent wildlife, cultural and hospitality destination.

The arrest of seven suspects marks a significant development in the investigation, but police have not yet disclosed the identities of the suspects, the evidence linking them to the crime or whether additional arrests are expected.

Zambian Eye will continue to follow the investigation as further information becomes available.