According to Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi, the incident occurred around 20:00 hours on May 16 in the Mulakwa area of Samfya District.
The deceased has been identified as Chonde Chitumbo Chabu of Lusenga Village, who was allegedly attacked by a group of people armed with sticks and stones.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased was attacked with sticks and stones by a group of people who suspected him of practising witchcraft, and he died on the spot,” Chilabi said.
Police said the incident followed the disappearance of a 12-year-old boy from Lusenga Village who had gone fishing with his elder sister at Nyonga River on May 15 around 15:00 hours.
The boy was reportedly dragged underwater by a crocodile and could not be located despite efforts by community members to search for him.
Chilabi said the family later consulted a witch finder, who allegedly linked the boy’s disappearance to Chabu.
The accusation reportedly angered members of the community and resulted in the mob attack.
Police further revealed that the mob also destroyed property belonging to the deceased. Chabu’s house was demolished while his sister’s house was set on fire. Some property was also looted during the violence.
Officers later visited the scene and launched investigations into the matter.
The body of Chabu has since been taken to Samfya District Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem examination.
Police have arrested Felistus Chanda, 25, and a 16-year-old boy, both from Lusenga Village and relatives of the missing child.
Chilabi warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands, stating that mob justice is illegal and often results in loss of life and destruction of property.
Investigations are continuing, and police are searching for more suspects believed to have participated in the attack.
After all it is charm season