Fight over witchcraft leaves 26 homeless
Twenty six people, including the elderly and 14 children have been left homeless in Karonga after a mob demolished and burnt their houses for allegedly practising witchcraft.
The 26 were attacked on Sunday after one of them was accused of orchestrating the missing of his father Youngson Mwangaipe in February 2018.
The victims, who have sought refuge at Karonga Police Station, had to flee their homes at Mwanyongo Mwambuli Village in Traditional Authority Kyungu.
They left without food and other belongings as most of the items were lost in the fracas.
Northern Region Police spokesperson Peter Kalaya on Tuesday confirmed the incident.
“So far, no life or injuries have been reported, but property worth K22.5 million, including seven houses, was destroyed,” he said.
Kalaya said the office of the district commissioner (DC) provided food to the victims.
When asked for comment, DC Emmanuel Bulukutu asked for more time.
Livingstonia Synod Church and Society programme director Moses Mkandawire condemned the violence, saying it is not a means to solving problems.
Police have since arrested four people in connection with the fracas. n
