A 63-year-old Village Headman has committed suicide following a family dispute over witchcraft allegations in Mansa district.
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‎Luapula Province Police Commanding Officer, Stephen Palaata, confirmed the incident to the media ,which is believed to have occurred between the night of June 29th and the morning of June 30th, 2026 in Kaluba Washeni village, under Chief Kalasalukangaba’s area.
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‎Mr Palaata said a report was filed at Mansa Central Police Station by Reuben Chibesa, the CCPU Coordinator for Kaluba Washeni Village.
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‎The Luapula Province Police Commanding Officer said the report stated that Samson Mwinsa, the village headman, was found dead after hanging himself with a rope inside his house.
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‎“Brief facts are that on 26th June, the deceased held a family meeting during which his nephew, Male Mwewa, alleged that the deceased was practicing witchcraft,” he explained.
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‎He said during the meeting, it was agreed that the family would seek guidance from Chief Mabumba on 30th June at 08:00 hours but that, as family members prepared for the meeting on the material day, they noticed that the deceased had not arrived and proceeded to his house, where he lived alone, only to find him hanging inside.
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‎Mr Palaata said, acting on the report, police officers visited the scene and confirmed the incident.
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‎He said a physical inspection of the body revealed no external injuries apart from a protruding tongue, which is consistent with hanging and no foul play is suspected.
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‎ Mr Palaata said the family of the deceased has since been advised to proceed with burial and properly mark the grave and that a formal inquiry file has been opened on the incident.
