An angry mob in Zoole village of Chama district in Eastern province has beaten two people to death and seriously injured another on suspicion of practicing witchcraft.

The deceased have been identified as Luckwell Zyambo, 65, and Nenda Nkhata, 87, of Zoole Village in Chief Chikwa’s chiefdom.

The other person, who was left  injured, has been identified as Lazarous Lungu 39.

Brief facts  of the matter are that the two deceased persons and the injured person were suspected of being behind the death of Tryford Ngulube, also known as Headman Tondo, who died on January 14, 2025, around 02:00 hours after a long illness.

Zambia Police Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga, who confirmed the development to ZANIS said the incident occurred on January 14, 2025, around 08:00 hours.

Mr Hamoonga says initial investigations reveal that Headman Tondo, before his death, had accused the trio of practicing witchcraft, citing information he obtained from various witch doctors he consulted during his illness.

He says after Headman Tondo’s death, these allegations infuriated residents of Tondo Village and surrounding areas, who took the law into their own hands.

Mr Hamoonga explained that the mob attacked the trio using sticks, stones, and even administered them with poisonous maize preservative tablets known as “Quick Force.”

The Police Spokesperson says unfortunately, two died on the spot, and the other, who sustained serious injuries, is receiving treatment at Chama District Hospital.

Mr Hamoonga added that the bodies of the deceased have been deposited at Chama District Hospital Mortuary for postmortem

He said that the Zambia Police Service has since opened dockets for murder and attempted murder.

Mr Hamoonga stated that no arrests have been made yet, as investigations are ongoing.

He emphasised that the police have condemned the act of mob justice in the strongest terms and urged members of the public to desist from taking the law into their own hands.