Tragedy Strikes: Chaminuka Luxury Lodge CEO Brutally Murdered in Chisamba
Stelios Sardanis, CEO of Chaminuka Lodge and Nature Reserve, was tragically murdered during an armed home invasion in the early hours of Sunday, August 9, 2026. The Zambia Police Service has launched investigations into the incident in Chisamba District, appealing for public assistance as they confirm details of the aggravated robbery and death.
Tragedy struck Chaminuka Lodge and Nature Reserve in the early hours of Sunday, August 9, 2026, as Stelios Sardanis, the 64-year-old Chief Executive Officer, was brutally murdered during an armed home invasion. The incident occurred at the resort premises in Chisamba District, just outside Lusaka, Zambia, between 01:00 and 01:15 hours.
According to Central Province Commanding Officer Lemekani Chirwa and Zambia Police Service Spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi, a group of unknown armed assailants forcibly entered Sardanis’s residence. They gained entry by smashing through a main glass door before breaking into his bedroom. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects allegedly assaulted Mr. Sardanis and stole a safe containing documents and valuables, along with an undisclosed amount of money.
Sardanis sustained injuries during the attack and was rushed by resort workers to CFB Medical Centre in Lusaka, where he was tragically pronounced dead upon arrival. The value of the stolen property has not yet been established.
The Zambia Police Service has swiftly launched investigations into the case of murder and aggravated robbery, with officers having visited and processed the scene of the crime. A report of the incident was received from a 52-year-old male employee of the resort. In connection with the ongoing investigations, a security guard who was on duty at the lodge at the time of the incident has been detained to assist the police.
The Zambia Police Service has appealed to anyone with information that may assist in the investigations to report to the Police through the toll-free lines 9010 or 9011, assuring that further updates would be provided as the inquiry progresses. The police also extended their sincere condolences to the family, relatives, and colleagues of the late Sardanis.
Chaminuka Lodge and Nature Reserve, a vast 10,000-acre luxury wildlife estate and cultural sanctuary, holds significant historical and cultural value. It began as the Sardanis family home in 1978 and eventually opened its doors to visitors in 1998, growing into one of Zambia’s well-known tourism destinations, celebrated for combining wildlife, nature, African art, and hospitality.