PETAUKE - An 82-year-old woman of Petauke District who had reportedly complained that a relative threatened to kill her over allegations of witchcraft has been found brutally murdered inside her home.
The deceased has been identified as Adinasi Lungu of Nyamambale Village.
According to Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba, Ms. Lungu had, in June 2026, informed village headwoman Rosemary Lungu, 72, that her relative, Saineti Lungu, 45, had accused her of bewitching his daughter and threatened to kill her.
Police said Ms. Lungu was last seen alive at around 20:00 hours on Friday when she retired to bed.
The following morning, Emelia Shumba, 40, who was on her way to church, became concerned after finding the elderly woman's door wide open.
After calling out several times without receiving a response, Ms. Shumba entered the one-roomed house and discovered Ms. Lungu lying lifeless in a pool of blood.
She immediately informed the village headwoman, who reported the matter to police.
Upon visiting the scene, officers found the deceased lying face down with a deep cut on her right ear, a broken jaw and several missing teeth.
Police also recovered a blood-stained wooden stool near the body with what appeared to be human teeth embedded in it. Investigators suspect the stool may have been used in the attack.
The body has since been taken to Kalindawalo General Hospital Mortuary for a postmortem examination.
Meanwhile, Saineti Lungu has been detained by police to assist with investigations as officers work to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing.
Source: Kalemba (By Elizabeth Muchape)