A 46-year-old man is fighting for his life after an angry mob attacked him with an axe and other weapons at a funeral in Chama district today.
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The attack is believed to be linked to accusations of witchcraft following the death of a woman who was killed by an elephant just three days after the victim allegedly threatened her.
Malama Manda of Vwila village, Tembwe Chiefdom, sustained three deep axe wounds to the head and severe cuts to both legs below the knees.
He was initially rushed to Tembwe Rural Health Center and has since been referred to Chama District Hospital for specialised treatment.
According to sources who requested anonymity, Manda had a public quarrel with the deceased, 63 year old Grace Kaluba, and reportedly told her that one of them would die.
Kaluba died three days later after an elephant attack.
Today, around 12:00 hours, four individuals, whose identities are being withheld by authorities for investigative purposes, went to Manda’s home.
They reportedly assaulted him with slaps and dragged him to Kaluba’s funeral house.
At the funeral, the four individuals allegedly forced Manda to explain his disputes with Kaluba and accused him of being responsible for the elephant attack that led to her death.
When Manda reportedly remained silent, one of the assailants allegedly struck him three times in the head with an axe.
The other three individuals, along with a growing mob, then joined in, beating Manda with sticks and blocks.
The mob ceased their assault, believing Manda had died.
However, two men present at the funeral intervened and rushed him to Tembwe Rural Health Center.
Emmanuel Mwaanga, the Tembwe Rural Health Center in-charge, confirmed Manda’s injuries, noting significant blood loss.
Mwaanga stated that Manda’s wounds have been stitched, and the bleeding has stopped, but the severity of his injuries necessitated the referral to Chama District Hospital.
Police have not yet released an official statement regarding the incident, and investigations are ongoing.
By White Luhanga
Kalemba July 4, 2025
