By JAMES KUNDA –
THREE women on Thursday allegedly set ablaze a house belonging to a 56-year-old woman of Lusaka on suspicion that she was a witch.
The victim identified as Rosemary Garufu of Garden Township was rescued by police while the mob was preparing to set her ablaze on suspicion of bewitching a nine-year-old girl.
The three also assaulted one of the police officers who rescued the victim in the fracas where a police vehicle was also damaged.
This happened between 19:00 hours and 21:00 hours and the three suspects whose names have been withheld but aged 17, 27 and 40 respectively have been arrested.
Police deputy public relations officer Rae Hamoonga who confirmed the incident in a statement yesterday said Ms Garufu lost property worth more than K20,000 in the inferno.
“The three suspects, who are of the same residence in Garden have been arrested and charged with assault, arson and malicious damage.
Investigations into the cases are however still ongoing,” he said.
Mr Hamoonga said naming people witches was an offence under Section 3 (a) Cap 90 of the laws of Zambia and anyone convicted would face a fine or imprisonment for any term not exceeding one year or both.
