Police open inquiry into suspected suicide of Luwingu headman

Police in Northern Province have opened an inquiry into the suspected suicide of a 62-year-old headman in Luwingu District following a village meeting over allegations that he was practising witchcraft.

Northern Province Police Commanding Officer, Simunji Mulonda, said the incident occurred on Sept. 14 between 1500 and 1700 hours in Village Njeke, Chief Chipalo’s area in Luwingu.

In a statement issued in Kasama on Wednesday, Mulonda said police received a report at 1720 hours from Florence Chanda, 38, of the same village, who reported the death of her father, Felix Chikombo, 62.

Police said Chikombo, who was a headman, had called a village meeting at about 0800 hours after being accused of practising witchcraft.

According to police, the village committee turned against him during the meeting after he refused to invite a traditional healer into the village.

“Around 15:00 hours, Chikombo left home without informing anyone where he was going and headed into the bush,” Mulonda said.

He said a passerby later found Chikombo’s body at about 1700 hours and informed relatives in the village, after which police were alerted and went to the scene.

“The body has been deposited at Luwingu District Hospital mortuary awaiting burial. No foul play suspected. Inquiry file opened,” Mulonda said.

Police have appealed to members of the public experiencing distress to seek support from community leaders, health workers and family members.

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