Mob Kills Woman, 82, On Suspicion Of Witchcraft

An 82-year-old woman from Mupitashi in Chingola has been murdered by an angry mob who suspected her of being a witch. 

According to Copperbelt Police, Salome Bwalya was allegedly beaten to death by a mob lead by Mary Mwali, 52, on the suspicion that Ms Bwalya was a witch.

The victim’s son, Simon Musonda, said his mother awoke in a panic at 2 o’clock on Monday morning to find that her home had been invaded by red ants.

“She woke up and in a panic-stricken situation, she rushed outside and whilst stark naked, she went to her neighbour, Mary Mwali, to seek refuge before she was attacked on suspicion of practicing witchcraft,” he explained. 

He said that Ms Mwali was later joined by other neighbours, who piled in on the attack. 

Police arrived on the scene to find Ms Bwalya lying in a pool of her own blood and gasping for air, having sustained a deep cut to the left side of her head.

She was rushed to Nchanga North General Hospital but pronounced dead on arrival. 

Copperbelt Province Police Commissioner Elias Chushi said that Ms Mwali has been apprehended and is being questioned by police.