Malawian witchdoctor, farmer appear in court for murder
By Staff Reporter
A MALAWIAN witchdoctor has appeared in the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court for allegedly killing a 42-year-old woman who used to work as a counselor at Zambia National Service, Makeni Clinic.
Abu Phiri, 29, a witchdoctor of 10 Miles in Lusaka is jointly charged with Saviour Daka, 30, a farmer of eight miles for acting together to kill Clare Namutenda.
The duo is alleged to have committed the offence on July 12 this year.
When the matter was called in court, chief resident magistrate Lameck Mwale allocated the case to Lusaka magistrate Martha Miti for explanation of the charge.
After the charge was explained, the duo said that they understood it.
Magistrate Miti told the accused that they will continue to appear before her for mention awaiting instructions from Director of Public Prosecutions for their committal to the High Court for trial.
The case was adjourned to August 20 this year for mention.
In July this year, Namutenda was reported to have gone missing by her husband Maybin Mundengo, a Zambia National Service colonel of Chalala area.
Col Mundengo, 45, told police that his wife had gone missing the previous day after informing him that she was going to attend night prayers at unknown Church.
Investigations were launched and two suspects Phiri and Daka were apprehended and the motor vehicle Toyota van guard which was being driven by Namutenda was recovered.
The car was found with Phiri with number plates removed.
Later, the body of Namutenda was found dumped in Kabangwe area at a grave yard with deep cuts on the fore head.
