Four Arrested Near High Court in Lusaka for Suspected Rituals, Police Clarify Motive
Police in Lusaka have detained four individuals on allegations of conduct likely to cause a breach of peace after they were found engaging in suspicious activities near the High Court premises.
According to Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga, officers were on routine patrols when they received a report of unknown persons allegedly bathing within the High Court area for suspected ritualistic purposes. Responding to the tip-off, officers rushed to the location and apprehended Boyd Ngosa, 28, James Banda, 39, Dismas Sakala, 36, and Francis Kasote, 33.
However, preliminary investigations have since revealed a different narrative. Mr. Hamoonga clarified that the individuals are vagrants with no fixed place of residence and were not conducting any rituals within the High Court premises as initially reported.
“The suspects were found outside the High Court grounds at a location near the roundabout between three islands. This area contains a broken drainage system that collects water, which the individuals were allegedly using to wash plastic containers for resale,” he explained.
The spokesperson emphasized that contrary to earlier suspicions, the arrested individuals were not engaging in ritual practices but were carrying out an activity commonly associated with street vendors. The broken drainage system in the area has become a makeshift source of water for informal traders and vagrants, further complicating the situation.
The arrests have highlighted ongoing challenges related to vagrancy and informal economic activities in the city. Mr. Hamoonga reiterated the importance of public vigilance in reporting unusual behavior but also urged the public to avoid jumping to conclusions without verified evidence.
The four suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. Authorities are also considering measures to address the recurring issue of individuals using public spaces inappropriately, which often leads to misunderstandings and potential unrest.
The incident underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach to urban challenges, including addressing homelessness, improving sanitation, and providing alternative livelihoods for those engaging in informal trade. For now, the police have called for calm, assuring the public that there is no evidence of ritualistic activities linked to the incident.
Source : Zambia Police
Why keep them in custody after such revelation; release them. A Christian nation ironically stooped into witchcraft beliefs!
These things happen…..We all know about “Palibe kantu” .They are doing it for a favorable response in the 2moro judgement. We are africans and judges are also prone to be influenced by the ” rule of the other law”
Just not sure which side the three are supporting and who sent them . Do not take it lightly.KKKKK
So its not just about mobilising armed police and soldiers to be at the court. Who is protecting the court premises from the other “POWERS”. Should have hire “Dr kalongo kanono” or ” Dr kalikwitobo” or ” Dr..Kafwa Nayo” to sanctify and protect the court premises.
Why are you keeping them, All these are due to economic hardship. People are suffering. We claim to be a Christian Nation yet so superstitious and quick at Judging others. We need to change as a Country.
I have never understood the Zambian nation. In governing us the state says it doesn’t believe in witchcraft. But it prosecutes suspected witches!
How can you catch a thief when you say theft isn’t an offence?
@Prince this article clarifies that after further investigation the intial report made to the Police was wrong. Why would the Police admit to this and then continue to detain innocent persons? Please give people credit when the do something go.
Police reform urgently needed
they have become our biggest headache apart from loadshedding
Pls explain? Someone reported to the Police. They acted and investigated. And now report to us that the initial report was unfound. What is wrong with that?
Mulibe va bwino we bantu…..read the article again aisha or maybe you want it in Tonga?
So why are they still in custody. It appears the way we are frantically looking for money from IMF is the way we should be frantically looking for wisdom from God, so why keep them in custody when your statement is clearly clearing them of any wrong doing
Police are addicted to keeping citizens in cells. They are junkies of torture. Sadists.
That’s why when we moved on to the third republic where they were expected not to detain anyone for more than 48 hours without charge they stubbornly continued the illegal practice.
Pls read the article again. Where does it say they are STILL in custody. That is being presumptious. You are making an assumption.
Journalists also dont help as they either didnt ask this question to the Police PR Person or didnt follow up…spoon feeding. Do your work.
Release them. Poverty and homelessness are not crimes.
Zambia is fast declining in everything.
Even Paw Paws I hear 🙂
Who is reponsible for fixing a broken water pipe mwe bantu pa Zed? Surely how much would that cost just to repair the pipe? This is total laziness ba Lusaka Water and Sewerage company. Just to dig ,locate the burst pipe and then replace it? Iye pa Zed , this is embarrasing. Someone has to be fired for this.
The behavior of Zambians is horrible we lack that mentality of Maintenance. Imagine the cost of that loss of water that they can’t fix. But busy complaining ati Kulibe Manzi. From the Council, Lusaka Water to ZESCO, the leadership is so pathetic and very Lazy. We need to fire them all.
@Prince…Leadership? It you cant set the example how do you point at leadership? Set an example of what you expect when you lead by fixing the problem. You statement is contradictory and lacks introspect.
Leadership? One Michael Sata. When KK appointed him Minister of Local government Workers stared working cutting grass and removing garbage bins. When he was appointed Minister of Health Doctors stopped striking Why?
just a warning for the homeless and poor.beware of the court.
In North Korea you can be charged for being homeless
You can scorn or laugh at them…. remember we less homeless people than the USA a country that is richer than Zambia. Unfortunately because we want to live like white people we have done away with the extended family systems…our dead brother’s children will look after themselves.. sometimes after taking their father’s money
Turned out they were washing containers kikiki
Considering some areas have water rationing its understandable
So why put out an alarming statement in the first place
Even collecting your Lunch money is not done in a professional manner