Karonga couple ‘burned to death’ by mob: Witchcraft accusation

An enraged mob of Mtendere Village of Traditional Authority Kyungu in Karonga assualted  and set ablaze a couple on witchcraft suspicion that they were responsible for the mysterious crocodile attacks which has been happening in the community.

The couple were burned to ashes, relatives who witnessed the horrific attack revealed.

According to Karonga Police Spokesperson Enock Livasoni, for the past three weeks, three people have been killed by a mysterious crocodile which exist in a village nearby river hence the residents suspected that it belongs to the couple.

Livasoni identified the mob justice victims as a 76 old man Taipi Vinkhumbo of Mtendere village Traditional Authority Kyungu and a 65 old woman Marinara Vinkhumbo of Mwanyesha village in the same area.

“The couple was being suspected of practicing witchcraft due to the death of three people who were attacked by crocodile for the past three weeks,” said Rivasoni.

“They were assaulted and then the mob took them to their home kitchen where they burned the victims inside. We only found ashes and no body.”

The couple were screaming, begging for mercy and saying they have not committed any sin.

Meanwhile, Livasoni said no arrest has been made as investigations are still under way.

He said the suspicion of witchcraft was unfounded.

Karonga District Council chairperson Patrick Kisyombe said the council will come up with by-laws to protect people accused of witchcraft, saying some of accusations “are out of jealousy. “

He said: “When someone is doing well they are often suspected of witchcraft, so we need to protect people by coming up with by-laws.”

There are beliefs in Karonga that people breed magical crocodiles to attack their enemies. A number of people have been victims of crocodile attacks allegedly initiated by their foes although there is no proof.