By CLOZZEN BIKALE
North-Western Province Permanent Secretary, Grandson Katambi has directed the police command in the Province to eliminate the brutal killing and injury of innocent people through the practice of Kikondo (the moving coffin).
Speaking during the commemoration of police day in Solwezi, Mr Katambi said 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.
“It is unfortunate 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 it is unfortunate that the strong belief in Kikondo has led to the death and injuries of innocent people especially the elderly.
He said the police and the traditional leaders must work together and ensure that the practice is finished.
“Arrest people practicing Kikondo and the family members of the deceased person”, he said.
Col Katambi said police should conclusively and decisively deal with anyone found wanting as the practice is criminal, and urged the police to coordinate with other stakeholders and reduce the increase in road traffic accidents.
And North western province 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, because the service has no room for such characters,” he said.
Dr Mulenga also called on stakeholders to collaborate with the police in reducing cases of suicide in the province which have become rampant.
He said the province has seen an increase in suicide cases with more men killing themselves than women mainly after marital differences.
