The Senior Citizens Association of Zambia (SCAZ) has strongly condemned the recent beating up of two women by a mob of Kitwe residents that accused them of practicing witchcraft.

Association Chairperson, Isabel Sibongo said the actions of the residents are regrettable as no one has the right to take another person’s life.

Ms Sibongo told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that it is folly to view the aged as witches and wizards on account of their age.
She urged relevant authorities to follow up the case so that the culprits are brought to book.

Ms Sibongo ,however, commended police for their quick action to rescue the women.
And, Joyful Mwondela, a member of the association, said it was a blessing to be old and therefore the elderly should be honoured and respected as they are the custodians of culture.

She said the public, especially the youths, should be sensitized against the myth that the aged are associated with witchcraft.

Last week two women in Kitwe were beaten up by residents on suspicion that they had caused the death of their niece through witchcraft. One of them has since died from the injuries sustained from the beatings.

ZANIS

12 COMMENTS

WE CAN July 14, 2009 At 4:39 pm

The police should move in and arrest the culprits.
Valency July 14, 2009 At 4:40 pm

What are we, in the dark ages? I can’t believe people still go on witch-hunts… TISK TISK
WE CAN July 14, 2009 At 4:44 pm

It is really pity that our old folks are always being accused of witchcraft. They suffer because of society misjudgment. Young people find it difficult to coexist with old folks, shame!
POLITICAL PROSTITUTE July 14, 2009 At 4:45 pm

Brutal and backward fellows, shame.
Lusaka July 14, 2009 At 4:51 pm

Saddening indeed. Those youths need the wrath of the law
walai nthwenu mputi business July 14, 2009 At 5:03 pm

YEAH REALLY SADDENING DEVELOPMENT
Sparks Chimbwendembwende July 14, 2009 At 5:08 pm

That is the problem with us Africans. We always link death to witchcraft. The culprits should be traced and charged with murder and attempted murder. If found guilty they must be sentenced appropriately and the sentences should not run concurrently but one after another. For murder minimum sentence is death. Attempted murder is twenty years.

I rest my case.
zedson July 15, 2009 At 2:20 am

Other countries have so much respect for old people and they take care of them them very well.Sad that things like that are happening.
SENIOR CITIZEN ,you domain is being vandalized
Macbil July 15, 2009 At 8:12 am

The perpetrators have no heart for the aged. Even if there is witchcraft going on in some areas, how do you know who is behind it? Witch finders always will tell you that which you may wish to hear and ascertaining the truth is not guaranteed. so you end up up taking wrong information and act wrongly. Shame to those that took that wron action for they never had the truth.
zozi are zozi, me am anaza July 15, 2009 At 11:48 am

Police need to investigate who started the rumour and arrest them before the reveal the friends who took part in the murder and attempted murder.
zozi are zozi, me am anaza July 15, 2009 At 12:03 pm

Witchcraft exists as I have experienced it first hand.The problem is as a society we are unable to address and stop this scurge.
AP July 15, 2009 At 12:48 pm

so Heartless…this is horifying…the lady died out of the beating….why should the culprits even be on the streets…Police please get these cruel chaps in prison before they cause more damage