North-western province Permanent Secretary, Grandson Katambi has implored the police command in the region to eradicate the barbaric killing and injury of innocent people through the practice of Kikondo (moving coffin).
Kikondo is a traditional ritual performed in some parts of the country where charms are administered on a coffin carrying a dead body with a belief that it will lead mourners to the person behind the death.
Col. Katambi said it is unfortunate that the strong belief in Kikondo has led to the death and injuries of innocent people especially the elderly.
“It is regrettable that we are still witnessing strong beliefs in witchcraft resulting in the continued practicing of Kikondo mainly targeting innocent people,” he said.
Col. Katambi said the police and the traditional leadership must work together and ensure that the practice is eradicated.
The Permanent Secretary was speaking in Solwezi today during the commemoration of Zambia Police Day under the theme: ‘Police and the community: together we can rebuild our relationship for a better tomorrow’.
He said police should decisively and firmly deal with anyone found wanting as the practice is criminal.
And Col. Katambi asked the police to coordinate with other stakeholders and reduce the increase in road traffic accidents.
He said it is unfortunate that life has continued to be lost, injuries being recorded as well as damage to property.
Acting provincial police commanding officer, Fred Mulenga has warned police officers to desist from perpetuating crimes by working with criminals.
Dr Mulenga said his command will not hesitate to recommend any officer found wanting for dismissal from the service.
“Let me warn officers networking with criminals to desist from networking with criminals, if you are found we will not hesitate to flash you out. The service has no room for such characters,” he said.
The acting provincial police chief called on stakeholders to collaborate with the police in reducing cases of suicide in the province which have become rampant.
Dr Mulenga said the province has seen an increase in suicide cases with more men killing themselves than women mainly after a marital difference.
How come know one has recorded these traditional practices on phones?
Very uncivilised practice in upnd stronghold.
THe UK based impostor is already up craving for its morning intake…it can not contribute anything tangible except trolling
@Tarino, those videos are there on YouTube. You can easily note the oall bearers manipulating the coffin. It’s a nonsensical practice
The late Father Miha Drevensek in his early missionary work in Lambaland had done more work campaigning against the practice of kikondo or chitaleme in Lamba. He spent most of his time carrying out exorcism of coffins that refused to be buried. Because of his works the practice reduced greatly. May God accept his good deeds. I don’t think the Police alone can fight this practice. Let Chiefs and the Church be involved. In fact the people that practice kikondo are members of the church, some are staunch members for that matter. Traditional Leaders must banish witchdoctors that administer these charms. They must also banish the families involved. The Witchcraft Act requires urgent amendment as it has failed to address witchcraft issues. Witchcraft is real and it’s rife in Zambia. It was…
Ayatollah – This is where I disagree with you where you state that some white missionary is the answer or christianity is the answer …yes this practice should be discouraged as it is used by some to settle scores or eliminate competition among traditional healers look I am not calling them Witchdoctors like you have done. Please lets not use Christainity as the utimate silver bullet…its only purpose by its creators is to brainwash you so look down on your own cultures infact its an effective tool for white supremacist.
Key to stop this are the chiefs. Unfortunately, most chiefs in the province support this barbaric practice.
@6 Tarino Orange, those that knew Father Miha from 1978 thereon would agree with me. This is a statement of fact. Most of the funerals that I have attended have been through some Christian church before burial. I have never attended one that went through a witchdoctor, have you? The reason people do such things is the failure to accept that death will always be there. Many Zambians believe what their Priests tell them. If the church speaks against this practice some followers will hear and stop. The Chiefs also have many followers, they have a role to play. I still don’t the Police alone can stop this scourge. As for your opinion, we’re all entitled. I can’t force you to see things the way I do
From the colonial days authorities have issued such warnings but without tangible results. The problem lies in the fact that police themselves are afraid of interfering with witchcraft. It’s a fact.
#5, 7 and 8 What you have said is the REAL FACT. See#9.
#2 Kainyokolile Zulu, well well well, now look who is talking, one hell of a vile kamulya imichila yaba koswe. Fuc.k you kanamunungu tuwe
How I wish they brought these shamans when Chiluba FTJ died, the coffin would have landed on Emmanuel Mwamba’s gurumutu cracking it wide open! Ubuloshi bwakwa Ka Mwamba bwacilano!
Spot on @ Ayatollah,……
Ayatollah – In a nutshell traditional problems should be dealt with local traditional solutions not using Western religion to intervene… Africans we need to wake up!!
Iwe Ngombala Kikondo taibomba when the pall bearers are the army. Kikikikikiki