WOMAN 31, BEATEN FOR PRACTISING WITCHCRAFT

A 31-year old woman of Chishi Island in Chifunabuli District has been beaten on allegations of practicing witchcraft.

The woman is being accused of being involved in a case in which a 15-year-old girl was recently attacked and killed by a crocodile.

Confirming the incident to ZANIS, Chifunabuli District Commissioner, Stanley Mukosa identified the victim as Gabriella Mapulanga of Mushindikeni Village in Chief Mbulu’s Chiefdom.

“I can confirm that Chifunabuli Police Station received a report of assault from a 31-year-old woman identified as Gabriella Mapulanga from Chishi Island who was assaulted by the community on allegations that she together with her husband Mwewa Sunga, have been practicing witchcraft and were responsible for the death of a girl who was attacked by a crocodile on lake Bangweulu,” he said.

Mr Mukosa explained that the victim was at her house breastfeeding her baby while her husband was on the mainland when the community confronted her accusing her of being behind the crocodile attack.

He said the victim tried to resist the allegations but the community descended on her and later took her to Lake Bangweulu demanding that she releases the charms believed to be in their house that allows the husband to turn into a crocodile.

“The community descended on her and later took her to Lake Bangweulu where they immersed her in water while demanding for the crocodile charms to be surrendered to them and later took her back to her house where she was rescued by her relatives who took her to the Police Station,” he said.

He said the victim sustained a swollen face and general body pains and was taken to Lubwe Mission Hospital where she received treatment.

Police have since instituted investigations in the matter but no arrests have been made.

ZANIS