7 suspected witches burnt to death in Zambia

LUSAKA. November 24. KAZINFORM At least seven people accused of practicing witchcraft in Zambia's northern Samfya district in Luapula Province have been burnt to death in a bizarre incident being condemned by human rights activists, police said on Thursday; Kazinform refers to Xinhua.

The bizarre incident happened on Sunday afternoon after the seven people, ages 52 to 85, were suspected of practicing black magic and held responsible for the demise of a local traditional ruler who was struck to death by lightning recently.

Elizabeth Kanjela, police spokesperson, said police have since picked three suspects to help with investigations into the shocking arson and murder case.

According to the spokesperson, relatives of the dead traditional ruler rounded the suspects up on Sunday afternoon and locked them in a thatched hut where they were brutalized and the house was later set on fire.

Simon Kabanda, a human right activist, has condemned the incident, saying it was a violation of people's rights.

"We condemn the barbaric action that was taken by the Samfya people when we have a witchcraft Act they could have used or they could have simply reported the matter to police. Such barbaric actions must not be allowed in future and we hope the law can take its course in this matter," he said.

Incidents of retribution over witchcraft acts are common in rural parts of Zambia, where old people are usually the targets.