Mambwe, Zambia – May 2, 2026 – Police in Mambwe District of Eastern Province have arrested a man accused of murdering a 45-year-old woman after allegedly accusing her of using witchcraft to take away his erection.
The deceased has been identified as Agness Mwanza, aged 45, of Mambwe District.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed the incident in a statement, revealing that the murder occurred on April 30, 2026, around 08:00 hours, in Mangani Village.
Victim Was Harvesting Soya Beans When Attack Happened
According to police, Agness Mwanza had left her home in Kamanga Village to harvest soya beans in her field.
She was reportedly accompanied by children from the village who were assisting her in the field.
“Details of the matter are that the accused, Yelesani Nkhoma approached the deceased and engaged her in conversation while she was cultivating soya beans with some village children,” Mweemba said.
Children Witnessed the Brutal Attack
Mweemba stated that while the deceased was working in her field, the suspect was seen launching an attack on her.
The children who were present later told police that they saw the woman being kicked and falling to the ground before the suspect produced a knife.
Police said the suspect allegedly stabbed the woman twice on the neck, causing her to bleed heavily and die instantly.
He explained that the victim died due to severe bleeding from the wounds she sustained.
Alarm Raised, Husband Finds Wife in Pool of Blood
Police said the children raised an alarm and fled back toward the village, attracting the attention of the deceased’s husband.
“The children raised alarm and fled toward the village, attracting the attention of the deceased’s husband,” Mweemba stated.
The husband reportedly rushed to the scene and found his wife lying in a pool of blood, while the suspect was still holding the knife beside her body.
Villagers Apprehend Suspect and Hand Him Over to Police
Mweemba revealed that the suspect was apprehended by community members, who later handed him over to the police.
Police officers who responded to the scene found the body lying face upward in the soya beans field with two deep stab wounds on the neck.
“Police officers who responded to the scene found the body lying upwards with two big stab wounds on the neck in her soya beans field,” Mweemba said.
Body Taken to Kamoto Mission Hospital
The deceased’s body has since been deposited at Kamoto Mission Hospital mortuary in Mambwe District, where it is being kept pending a postmortem examination.
Accused Allegedly Claimed Witchcraft Prevented Him From Having Children
Reports indicate that the suspect accused the woman of using witchcraft to take away his erection, allegedly claiming that the situation had contributed to him and his wife failing to have children.
Police say investigations are ongoing, and the suspect remains in custody as the matter is being processed.
The incident has shocked residents in the area, with many condemning the act and calling for stronger community awareness against violence linked to witchcraft accusations.