Two killed in Kanchibiya mob justice

TWO elderly men of Kanchibiya have been murdered by a mob after been suspected of poisoning one of the villagers.

Muchinga Province Police Commissioner Joel Njase said Frank Mwelwa Kasolo, 80, of Dault Malama village in Chief Mpepo’s area and Henry Bwalya, 70, Mpepo village in Chief Mpepo’s area of Kanchibiya were killed by a mob after being suspected of poisoning Francis Chiluba,45, of Mpepo village.

He said police report received a report of the murders from Inspector Kapeso of Mpika Police station currently on operations in Chambeshi at ZESCO substation.

The two were suspected

of poisoning Francis Chiluba who died February 17 2019 at around 02:00hrs after being evacuated at Michael Chilufya Sata Hospital, Mr Njase said.

He said the incident happened on Monday between 15:00hrs and 16:00hrs when the mob descended on the two at the market square using stones and fists.

‘‘Preliminary, information on alleged murder is that the two elderly people were suspected to be wizards in that community prior to the death of Francis Chiluba who was poisoned by unknown people,’’ he said.

He said the bodies of the deceased are at in Mpika Hospital mortuary.

Mr Njase said police had opened an inquiry on the matter and anyone found wanting after investigations would be answerable.

Mr Njase warned members of the general public against taking the law into their own hands.

‘‘Let me take this opportunity to advise and warn community members in the said area to desist from taking law in their own hands.

They must apprehend suspects and inform the Police for further action as opposed to taking the law into their own hands,’’ he said.