Kabushi Mob Burns Elderly Woman’s House After ‘Kikondo Coffin’ Points to Her Door

The woman, identified as Jacqueline Mwila, was not at home when the incident occurred.

The events began after the death of 34-year-old Esnart Kaunda, who reportedly died in Kabushi Compound after a short illness.

During funeral proceedings, mourners carried out a “Kikondo” ritual, a traditional practice in which a coffin is carried around the community. Some participants believe the movement of the coffin can indicate the home of a person suspected of causing the death through witchcraft.

During the ritual, Kaunda’s coffin was carried through the area and eventually stopped at Mwila’s house. It reportedly settled near the entrance to her home, which some residents interpreted as a sign that she was responsible for Kaunda’s death.

Following this, a group of residents allegedly set Mwila’s house on fire.

Copperbelt Province Police Commanding Officer Mwala Yuyi said the house was completely destroyed in the fire along with several household items whose value has not yet been determined.

Mwila was at a funeral house elsewhere in the township when the incident happened. According to police, she received a phone call from her son informing her that people had burned their house after accusing her of witchcraft.

She then left the funeral house intending to return home, but along the way some residents who knew her advised her not to go back because tensions in the area remained high.

Mwila later accepted transport from a passerby who took her to Masala Police Station, where she reported the incident.

“Jacqueline Mwila reported that a group of unknown people suspected her to be practicing witchcraft and that she was amongst the witches that caused the death of Esnart Kaunda who died within Kabushi Compound after a short illness,” Yuyi said.

Police said no arrests have been made so far. Investigations have been launched to identify those responsible for the suspected arson.