Chiefs, 18 others arrested for employing a witch-finder in Mzimba

Jenda Police Station in Mzimba on October 23, 2023, arrested group village headman Paul Chipokosa Chirwa, 71, village headman Christopher Chirwa 66, village headman Yolamu Chirwa 52 and 18 subordinates on suspicion that they a witchfinder and committed other related offences at Ehehleni in Mzimba.

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According to sub inspector MacFarlane Mseteka of Jenda police station, it is alleged that between the month of August and September this year, the group village headman together with his people employed a witch finder from Zambia after charging Jessi Chirwa and Bernard Chirwa with witchcraft. It has also been established that these people stole money and three bags of maize from Jessi Chirwa valued at K468,000 and also stole money and destroyed properties for Bernard Chirwa valued at K750,000 

During the night of October 22, 2023 police went to arrest them but they managed to run away after they were alerted by the man who was arrested first when he shouted out loud. In the morning of the following day, men from the whole village ganged up to torch Jenda Police Station and rescue their relative who was arrested during the raid claiming he was innocent. However, the police were able to subdue them and they were all arrested.

“apart from managing unlawful society which is against section 64 of the penal code the group village headman and his subordinates are also answering other charges such as; charging a person with witchcraft, employing a witch finder, theft, malicious damage and being present at a trial by ordeal and they will appear before court in due courses.said Mseteka.

Jenda police warns chiefs and their people that it will not tolerate any act of violence towards the elderly within its policing area, further police issue a stern warning against the tendances of destroying Government properties through mob justice, and those found will be arrested and face the law.

The group village headman Paul Chipokosa Chirwa and his people comes from Traditional Authority Mzikubola in Mzimba district.

There has been multiple accusations against elderly people in this country and MANEPO as an organization that protects the rights of elderly persons is condemning this act saying elderly persons have rights to live without any interference.