FOLLOWING the death of his sick mother in hospital, a 15 -year-old boy of Lumezi district has taken his life while an elderly man aged 68 killed one of the mourners over witchcraft accusations..
It is reported that approximately 30 minutes after he was told that the mother had died, Andrew Zimba vanished from public sight but was later found hanging lifeless from a tree about 700 meters away from the Masuku Village by his 19 year old elder brother.
All these occurred yesterday around 07:30 hours, at Lumezi district hospital, following the death of Tinayani Jere who was receiving treatment for tuberculosis.
Eastern Province police commanding officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed the deaths.
“As family members were gathered at the scene…Nkananga Mwale left and went to where mourners were seated and picked up an axe handle which was on the ground and later used it to hit…Patson Nyirongo aged 54 years on the head accusing him of being a witch,” Mweemba said.
“He hit him multiple times on the head.”
Attempts to rescue the victim, failed as Nyirongo had already sustained severe head injuries and died on the spot.
The two matters were quickly reported to Lumezi police post and officers responded swiftly.
Upon arrival, the suspect was found to have already been apprehended by the general members of the public who were engaged by police upon receipt of the matter.
Mweemba said police officers then proceeded to visit the murder scene where the deceased was found laying on the ground in a pool of blood facing downwards with deep cuts on the head.
He said the crime scene including the place where the teenager had killed himself was later processed and the deceased picked.
“The body was later brought down and physical inspection on the body was conducted, which revealed no foul play,” revealed Mweemba.
“The two bodies have since been deposited into Lumezi district hospital mortuary awaiting post mortem examination results to ascertain the causes of death while the murder suspect has been detained at Lundazi police station awaiting formalities and court appearance.”
By Sanfrossa Mberi
Kalemba March 23, 2026
