By MAIMBO MWEEMBA
Police in Livingstone have confirmed the arrest of Innocent Chiyabi, a 36-year-old self-proclaimed witch doctor, following allegations of rape made by a 24-year-old woman from Chidakwa village in the
Kazungula District.
The incident, which reportedly took place on December 12, 2024, at around 17:00 in Morelight Compound, came to light after the victim came forward to authorities on February 27, 2025.
According to Southern Province Police Commanding Officer Auxensio Daka, the victim, who suffers from epilepsy, was approached by Chiyabi, who claimed he possessed the power to heal her condition
through sexual intercourse.
Mr. Daka stated that despite her initial refusal, the victim succumbed to the accused’s manipulative claims, which included assertions that she was barren and needed to have sex with him to conceive.
He added that following the encounter, she was given traditional medicine by Chiyabi that only increased her health issues, causing abdominal pains.
A medical examination further revealed that the victim was nine weeks and five days pregnant. After further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault, Mr. Auxensio Daka
confirmed that Chiyabi has been taken into custody and is awaiting legal proceedings.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are appealing to the public for any additional information that may assist in the case.
