By Arnold Tutu
A 59-year-old man in Samfya District has been killed by a mob on suspicion of practising witchcraft after a 12-year-old boy went missing in a crocodile attack.
Police spokesperson GODFREY CHILABI says the incident happened around 20:00 hours on May 16 in the Mulakwa area of Samfya District.
He has identified the deceased as CHONDE CHITUMBO CHABU of Lusenga Village, who was allegedly attacked by a group of people armed with sticks and stones after being accused of being behind the boy’s disappearance.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased was attacked with sticks and stones by a group of people who suspected him of practising witchcraft, and he died on the spot,” said Mr. CHILABI.
According to police, the incident followed the disappearance of a 12-year-old boy from Lusenga Village who had gone fishing with his elder sister at Nyonga River on May 15 at about 15:00 hours.
The boy was reportedly dragged underwater by a crocodile and could not be found despite efforts by community members to search for him.
Mr. CHILABI said the search continued the following day when the family consulted a witch finder, who allegedly linked the boy’s disappearance to Mr. CHABU.
The accusation fuelled anger in the community and eventually led to the fatal mob attack.
He said the mob also went on a rampage, destroying property belonging to the deceased.
Mr. CHABU’s house was demolished, while his sister’s house was set ablaze.
Mr. CHILABI said some property was also looted during the violence.
He said officers later visited the scene and launched investigations into the matter.
The body of Mr. CHABU has since been taken to Samfya District Hospital mortuary awaiting a postmortem examination.
Mr. CHILABI said police have arrested FELISTUS CHANDA, 25, and a 16-year-old boy, both from Lusenga Village and relatives of the missing child.
He warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands, saying mob justice is illegal and often leads to the loss of innocent lives and destruction of property.
Mr. CHILABI said investigations are continuing, while police are searching for more suspects believed to have taken part in the attack.
Source: ZNBC