6 relatives on the run over murder
By a Correspondent
POLICE in Senga Hill have launched a manhunt for six family members over the murder of a 55-year-old man suspected of witchcraft.
Denis Simfukwe, 55, of Ilola Village in Chief Nsokolo’s area of Senga Hill District, was killed in an alleged axe attack linked to accusations of witchcraft on Friday.
Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi confirm the death of Simfukwe and the launch of the six family members who are on the run after committing the alleged crime.
He said Simfukwe, was attacked on Friday morning while harvesting beans in his field in the company of his two wives.
Chilabi said the six identified male relatives believed to be nephews of the deceased allegedly confronted him, accusing him of causing the death of their relative, who had suffered a prolonged illness and died on June 11.
“The group allegedly attacked him with axes, inflicting fatal injuries before fleeing the scene. The matter was later reported by the deceased’s brother, Isaac Simfukwe. Police officers who visited the scene found the body in the bean field and later conveyed it to Mbala General Hospital Mortuary, awaiting postmortem examination,” he said.
He said a manhunt had since been launched for the suspects as investigations continue.
Chilabi condemned the killing and urged members of the public to avoid taking the law into their own hands when resolving disputes.
He explained that preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased was attacked after being accused of practicing witchcraft and sustained serious injuries and died at the scene.
“The suspects, who are currently at large, have been identified as Collins Sikapizye, Gaston Sikapizye, Shadrick Silutongwe, Vinyepe Sikapizye, Mamvuto Sikapizye, and one other unidentified individual, all from Ilola Village, Senga Hill. Efforts to apprehend them have been intensified,” he said.
