A MOURNING widower of Lusaka West who was supposed to be grieving his wife has carried more sad news and heartaches after his brother in law subjected him to a harsh environment at the house of mourning, claiming that the widower had bewitched the deceased.
65 year old Francis Mukonde was roughed up during his wife’s funeral after his brother in law stormed the house of mourning armed with a pistol.
The disturbing incident occurred on Wednesday around at 9:00 hours in Libala South as mourners gathered to pay their last respects to the late Maureen Mukonde, who had passed away the day before at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) following a short illness.
According to Zambia Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga, widower Mukonde was assaulted and threatened by 57 year old Kebby Sikangila who went fuming that his sister’s death was as a result of Mukonde’s purported witchcraft.
Hamoonga told Kalemba that Sikangila arrived at the funeral house with a 9mm pistol and threatened to shoot Mukonde and others in attendance.
During the confrontation, the suspect struck Mukonde on the back of the head with the firearm, causing severe bleeding.
He then dragged the widower out of the house and handed him two K100 notes and ordered him to leave the house of mourning.
The injured Mukonde was rushed to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) where his condition was reported to be stable.
The matter was reported to Maxwell Sibongo Police Post by the victim’s sister stating that her brother had been assaulted and threatened to be killed.
According to Hamoonga, Sikangila later voluntarily surrendered himself and the firearm to the police.
The pistol was found to be unloaded and has been secured for ballistics examination.
Sikangila has since been charged with threatening violence, contrary to Section 90 of the Penal Code Act and Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm, contrary to Section 248 of the Penal Code Act.
“The Zambia Police Service wishes to reassure the public that this case is being handled with the utmost professionalism and urgency.”
“We remain committed to ensuring justice and maintaining peace and security in all communities,” stated Hamoonga.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, November 22, 2024
