Mkushi civic leaders worried of witchcraft

–Civic leaders in Mkushi have condemned escalating reports of alleged witchcraft related practices in various parts of the district.

In an interview with ZANIS, Zambia National Women’s Lobby Group (ZNWLG) Mkushi District Coordinator, Gertrude Banda, expressed disappointment at the increased reports of such practices.

“It is very disappointing for a Christian nation like Zambia to still be recording such occurrences,” she said. “We, as a nation, should refrain from such activities and focus on developmental issues”.

Mrs Banda said this when commenting on a recent matter in which teachers at Mishingo School in chief Chitina’s area in which teachers revealed that they had been traumatized by alleged witchcraft related experiences.

She observed that such incidences could have a negative impact on development as children would be affected if teachers refused to serve in communities that are rife with witchcraft practices.

Several female teachers at the school had complained of strangers having canal knowledge of them during their sleep, while male teachers also disclosed that they were haunted by a bright light that made them weak.

In a related development, Mkushi District Education Board Secretary (DEBS), Nicolas Mwamba, confirmed that his office had received complaints from teachers at Mishingo School.

Mr Mwamba said he had also received witchcraft related complaints from teachers at schools such as Kakushi, upper Lunsemfwa, upper Musofu, Chisanga and Matuku.

He said his office is hopeful that the situation could be harmonised as soon as possible.