75-year old woman narrowly rescued after being set ablaze for witchcraft in Dedza

A 75 year-old woman was narrowly rescued by Police in Dedza district who was set ablaze by seven family  members which have been arrested after accusing her of witchcraft.

According to Spokesman for Dedza police constable Cassim Manda said a old woman was about to be set on fire by her son identified as Renald Store, 42 who is the prime suspect.

Mr Store with wife Sidonia and other members; Posiyano Mtokoma, Doris Filias, Felentia Simeon, Pelepechuwa Malisiyano and Aliseniyo Dickson organised the act.

According to Manda, the wife of Renald Store had been repeatedly beating her daughter Selepiya Store and one day after another severe beating the girl went missing.

But Renald accused the 75 year-old woman, who is his own mother, of being behind the child’s disappearance saying the woman bewitched the girl.

He therefore conspired with the other suspects to set ablaze his 75 year-old mother.

Fortunately, police quickly came in after being informed by well-wishers and rescued the old woman.

Thereafter police arrested all seven suspects who are answering two charges: the charge of wrongful confinement contrary to section 266 of penal code and the charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm contrary to section 254 of penal code.

“Let me have opportunity to warn the general public, it is unconstitutional to suspect any person of being a witch,” said Manda.

Meanwhile, police managed to find the girl at her friend’s house near Dedza border.

All Suspects hail from Juwa- Kadamanja village in the area of Traditional Authority Kamenyagwaza in Dedza.