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Two people have been killed and one seriously injured in Zoole Village, Chama District, Eastern Province, after a mob attacked them on suspicion of practicing witchcraft, police officials have confirmed.
The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, around 08:00 hours, in Tondo Village, located within Chief Chikwa’s area of Chama District.
Police Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, confirmed the report, which was filed by Morgan Lungu, 35, from Zoole Village.
Lungu reported that the mob, angered by accusations of witchcraft, brutally murdered his 87-year-old grandmother, Neda Nkhata, and her younger brother, 65-year-old Luckwell Zyambo.
The mob also attempted to kill his elder brother, 39-year-old Lazarous Lungu, leaving him in a critical condition.
Initial police investigations revealed that the violence was sparked by accusations made by Headman Tondo, Tryford Ngulube, who passed away on January 14, 2025, after a prolonged illness.
Before his death, Headman Tondo allegedly accused the trio of practicing witchcraft, a claim he attributed to information from various witch doctors consulted during his illness.
“The allegations angered residents of Tondo Village and surrounding areas, who then took the law into their own hands,” Hamoonga stated.
The mob attacked the trio with sticks, stones, and even poisoned them with maize preservative tablets known as “Quick Force.”
Police arrived at the scene and discovered Zyambo’s body lying face down in a pool of blood, with deep cuts to the back of his head.
Nkhata’s body was found a few meters away, lying face up with no visible injuries, although the strong odor of the poisonous maize preservative suggested poisoning.
Lazarous Lungu was found unconscious, face down, with a deep cut to the back of his head and severe swelling to his face.
“The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at Chama District Hospital Mortuary for postmortem examinations,” Hamoonga confirmed.
Lazarous Lungu, who was critically injured, is receiving treatment at Chama District Hospital.
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Hamoonga added that police have opened investigations for murder and attempted murder, but no arrests have been made yet as inquiries continue.
“The Zambia Police Service condemns this act of mob justice in the strongest terms. We urge the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands,” Hamoonga said.
He emphasized that such actions were not only illegal but also undermine the rule of law and the sanctity of human life.
The police have called for anyone with information leading to the identification and arrest of the suspects to report to the nearest police station or directly contact Chama Police Station.
Hamoonga reaffirmed the police’s commitment to ensuring justice prevails and promised to provide updates as investigations progress.
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