Police say the 64-year-old businessman was assaulted after armed intruders forced their way into his residence at Chaminuka Resort early on Sunday.
Police investigate fatal attack at Chaminuka Resort
Stelios Sardanis, the chief executive of Chaminuka Resort, has died after being attacked by unknown assailants at the lodge in Chisamba District, according to Zambia Police.
Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi said the attack occurred between 01:00 and 01:15 on Sunday, 9 August 2026.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the assailants, who were carrying unspecified weapons, forced their way into Sardanis’ residence through the main glass door. They then broke into his bedroom and assaulted him.
Police said the attackers stole a safe containing documents and valuables, together with an undisclosed amount of money.
Chaminuka Resort employees transported Sardanis, 64, to CFB Medical Centre in Lusaka, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Security guard detained to assist police
Police officers have visited and processed the scene and opened an investigation into the killing.
A security guard who was on duty at the lodge at the time of the attack has been detained to assist investigators. Police have not announced any charge against the guard or identified any of the assailants.
The value of the stolen property has not been established. Police have also not stated whether robbery was the sole motive for the attack.
Chilabi appealed to members of the public with information about the incident to report it to the police.
Sardanis’ role in tourism and food production
Chaminuka describes itself as a 10,000-acre private nature reserve with 50 guest rooms, more than 7,000 animals and over 70 wildlife species. The lodge was developed by Andrew and Danae Sardanis, who made the estate their home in 1978.
Stelios Sardanis was one of Andrew and Danae Sardanis’ two children. He was also publicly identified as a director of Kaposhi, the food producer associated with the Chaminuka estate, when the company announced an expansion into meat and coffee production in 2022.
Chaminuka Resort has not yet announced whether the incident will affect its operations or who will assume its executive responsibilities.
Investigation continues
Police have not disclosed how many assailants entered the residence, whether a vehicle was used, the value of the stolen safe or whether surveillance footage is available.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation should contact the nearest police station.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more verified information becomes available.
