Zambia: A prophet accused an 84-year-old woman named Mary Kacholo of causing the death of a 4 month old baby. The people of the Chief Chiawa’s area in Kafue District attacked the elderly woman and caused her injuries.
The incident happened on June 30, 2024. The prophet accused that the 84 year old woman had used witchcraft and black magic to kill the infant. The elderly woman has been identified by her first name, Kacholo.
After the accusation was made, the angry mob consisting of the members of the community attacked the woman. The prophet took the 84 yar old woman’s name in front of the father of the now deceased child.
The child’s father, identified as John Phiri (31) went to the house of the prophet to get prayers for his sick child. After the assault on the elderly woman, the police intervened and recued the woman. They have started an official investigation into the matter and continue to ensure the safety of the woman.
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer Danny Mwale said Police investigations revealed that the child was having difficulty breathing. The family of the 4 month old thus suggested that witchcraft may be involved in the poor health of the baby..
The child allegedly died suddenly while the family were at the Prophet’s house. At this point, the relatives claimed that Kacholo had bewitched the baby.
The family, along with some community members, the mob took the deceased child’s remains to Kacholo’s house. The people beat the woman and ordered to carry the body to the funeral home.
Fortunately, Police Officers intervened, rescuing Kacholo and taking her into safe custody.
The child’s body was deposited at Mtendere Mission Hospital Mortuary for a postmortem examination.  Police officers remain deployed in the area to restore order, and an inquiry file has been opened.
The Prophet is yet to be summoned for questioning. The police suspect that the assault of the elderly woman in Kafue District may have been caused by mass paranoia and superstitious beliefs.