Woman Lynched by Mob After Allegations of Sorcery in Zambia

A 46-year-old woman, Eneless Hellen Kamutumbe, was tragically killed by a mob in Kalumbila District, Zambia, after being accused of having the ability to make men’s genitals disappear.

The attack took place on Friday, March 20, 2026, between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM in the Kisasa area. The allegation arose when a 25-year-old man, Prince Ntambo, claimed that after encountering Kamutumbe at a local market, he had lost his private parts.

This accusation created panic among onlookers, leading to the formation of a mob that quickly targeted the woman.

The enraged crowd armed themselves with sticks, stones, and wooden planks, descending upon her with violent force.

Despite attempts by a bystander to shelter Kamutumbe in a nearby house, the mob pursued her, dragging her out and continuing the brutal assault. Police officers who arrived on the scene were also attacked by the mob, hindering their efforts to rescue her.

Kamutumbe succumbed to her injuries later on the scene, and her body was abandoned along the Mwinilunga-Solwezi Road before police could recover it. She was later taken to Wumi Mini Hospital where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Her remains have been placed in the mortuary as authorities await a postmortem examination.

In connection with this event, eight suspects, including the accuser Ntambo, have been detained and are assisting police with the ongoing investigation.

Police deputy spokesperson Chipo Kaitisha reported that three officers were injured during the chaotic scene, and one police vehicle incurred damage as the mob smashed its windscreen.

"Investigations into this incident are underway, and further updates will be provided in due time," Kaitisha stated.

The occurrence is reminiscent of a similar event in Chingola, where a 61-year- old man was beaten after being accused of sorcery for purportedly tapping someone on the shoulder. Investigations later revealed that all complainants still retained their genitals, leading to the man's release due to a lack of evidence.

In light of these occurrences, police have condemned mob justice and cautioned the public against taking the law into their own hands.