Police have confirmed the arrest of a 20-year-old man accused of murdering his uncle in Lumezi District after allegedly accusing him of practicing witchcraft.
Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba said the suspect, Mathews Mkandawire Junior of Peter Village in Lumezi, was apprehended on 19th February 2026 around 10:30 hours in Kapaipi Village where he had been hiding following the fatal incident.
He said the murder was initially reported at Lumezi Police Post, under Lundazi Police Station, on 13th February 2026 by Mathews Mkandawire, 51, who informed police that his elder brother, John Mkandawire, 53, had been killed by his son between 01:00 hours and 03:00 hours at Peter Village.
Mr Mweemba added that investigations indicated that the suspect allegedly attacked and murdered his uncle on suspicion that he was responsible, through witchcraft, for the death of his five-year-old son who had died after being bitten by a snake.
After the incident, the suspect fled the area, prompting police to launch a manhunt.
“Following the report, police instituted a manhunt for the suspect who had gone into hiding. Acting on a tip from members of the public, officers moved into Kapaipi Village where the suspect was apprehended. He is currently detained at Lundazi Police Station and will appear in court soon,” Commissioner Mweemba said.
Police have since reiterated their warning against taking the law into one’s own hands and urged members of the public to resolve disputes through lawful channels.
