EIGHT members of the same family have been arrested in Lavushimanda District for allegedly assaulting a 71-year-old woman they accused of bewitching their relative. Muchinga Province Commissioner of Police Joel Njase said in an interview yesterday that Grace Lukonde was allegedly beaten by relatives of Evelyn Mwape on Monday after they suspected her of being behind Ms Mwape’s death.

Mr Njase identified the suspects as Mwaba Kambone, 39, Wilson Mwape, 27, Chibesa Kunda, 50, Davis Kambone, 30, Violet Mwape, 40, Catherine Mwape, 51, Bethsheba Mwape, 30, and Majory Mwape, 33, all of Chief Mpumba’s area.

Ms Mwape died on June 5 this year after a long illness and the family members suspected her sister, Catherine, of being behind the death. Mr Njase said Catherine, however, went to consult the witch finder who informed her that her sister’s death was caused by Ms Lukonde.

“Evelyn’s family members took Ms Lukonde to their chief after the witch finder advised them to do so. When they found that the chief was not around, they started beating her as they walked back home,” he said.

After being beaten, Ms Lukonde complained of chest and general body pains and was issued with a medical report at Mpumba Rural Health Centre, where she was treated. Mr Njase said the eight family members have been jointly charged with assault. Meanwhile, a 47-year-old cyclist of Mbayo Village in Nakonde District has died after being hit by a car on MbalaNakonde road.

Mr Njase identified the victim as Emmanuel Simukuwaya of Chief Nwaitwika’s area. He said Mr Simukuwaya was hit by a vehicle, a Toyota Hiace, which was being driven by Felix Siame, 37. Mr Simukuwaya sustained head injuries and fractured legs and died instantly. His body is in Nakonde District Hospital mor