A woman believed to be in her mid-70s has been axed to death by four unknown men at her house in the early hours of today in Chienge district after she was allegedly suspected to be practicing witchcraft.
Lucia Mwanto was in her deep sleep when the criminals went in her house and axed her in her head.
In most rural areas in Zambia, the old aged people usually fall victim of being suspected to be practicing witchcraft due to old tales that deem most old people as witches and wizards the practice that is not socially accepted in Zambia.
Chienge town council chairperson Francis Mwanto and the council Public Relations Officer Wells Chifunda this morning visited the hospital and the mortuary where the body of the old woman has since been deposited.
The duo have expressed disappointment at the developing story urging the police not to relent but to ensure that the criminals behind these crimes are brought to book to face the full wrath of the law.
The council Chairperson has further urged the residents not to take the law in their hands but to work with the police and ensure that things are done by the law.
Meanwhile, kalobwa ward councilor explains that he received a phone message on Monday September 2024 around 01 in the morning.
He narrated that the poor old lady was being suspected of practicing witchcraft and rumors suggested that some people had to hire criminals to kill the old lady.
He says the four unknown persons went into the poor old lady’s house and found her sleeping.
They then axed her right at the middle of her head and when the other three occupants of the same house woke up they were threatened and beaten by the same four unknown persons that have since fled the scene without their trace.
