Mob Set Ablaze Houses Over Witchcraft Allegation In Dowa

Angry villagers in Dowa have on Sunday set ablaze houses and damaged properties worthy millions of kwachas for allegedly accusing a family over witchcraft allegation.

According to Sub Inspector Gladson M’bumpha, Dowa PolicePublic Relations Officer, the incident that happened at Mbuta Village followed witchcraft accusations by villagers of Mbuta and Misi against Mbuta village residents Elluby Kamuyikeni, 67, Kiliyoni Kamuyikeni and Velentina Chunga from Misi Village in Traditional Authority Msakambewa.

“When doing morning chores, the victim heard villagers chanting later on started pelting stones at her house. The villagers claimed that the victim Elluby Kamuyikeni bewitched Mabvuto who died in 2017 and its their turn to revenge.” Said M’bumpha

He continued; “The victim started running to Dowa Police to seek refugee and whilst at police, the daughter to the victim came and informed her that her house had been demolished and her son’s house been set on fire.As police were about to leave to the scene, Velentina Chalunga came and reported the same that a house belonging to her had been demolished and three others belonging to her sons been set ablaze, some properties got stolen like iron sheets and households.

“According to the Dowa Police PRO the other two victims are son and daughter to the victim Elluby Kamuyikeni.

“Investigations are underway to arrest the suspects and recover the stolen items.” Said M’bumpha

Credit: BeyondFM