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The Zambia Police in Samfya District has arrested two suspects in connection with the murder of a 59-year-old man who was fatally assaulted by a mob on May 16, 2026.
The incident occurred around 20:00 hours in Mulakwa area of Samfya District, according to a police statement issued in Lusaka on Monday.
Police received a report of a mob attack in which Chonde Chitumbo Chabu of Lusenga Village was killed by the group.
According to Police Spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi, the deceased was attacked with sticks and stones by people who suspected him of practicing witchcraft.
Preliminary police investigations indicate that the deceased was attacked with sticks and stones by a group of people, who suspected him of practicing witchcraft, and died at the scene.
“Following the attack, the mob damaged property belonging to the deceased. His house was destroyed, and a house belonging to his sister was set on fire. Some property was also looted,” he said.
Chilabi said the circumstances leading to the incident began on May 15, 2026, around 15:00 hours, when a 12-year-old boy from Lusenga Village went fishing with his elder sister at Nyonga River.
He said the boy was reportedly attacked and taken underwater by a crocodile during the fishing trip and a search was carried out by community members, but his body was not found on that day.
“On May 16, 2026, the search continued and the family consulted a witch finder. The family consulted a witch finder, who allegedly linked the boy’s disappearance to the deceased, Chonde Chitumbo Chabu,” Chilabi said.
He said this led to tensions in the community and ultimately resulted in the mob attack.
Officers visited and processed the crime scene after the incident.
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Chilabi said body of the deceased was lying in the Samfya District Hospital mortuary, pending a postmortem examination.
Two suspects have been apprehended in connection with the case.
“Two suspects, namely Felistus Chanda, aged 25, and a 16-year-old male juvenile, both of Lusenga Village and relatives of the missing boy, have been apprehend,” he said.
Chilabi warned members of the public against engaging in acts of mob justice.
“The Zambia Police Service strongly warns members of the public against engaging in acts of mob justice. Such actions are unlawful and often result in the loss of innocent lives and the destruction of property,” he said.
Chilabi urged the public to report any suspicious activities or concerns to law enforcement authorities rather than taking the law into their own hands.
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