PRESS STATEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CCZ COMMENDS COLLECTIVE SOLIDARITY IN THE MURDER CASE OF MRS. HELLEN KAMUTUMBE IN KALUMBILA DISTRICT

The Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) commends the collective solidarity demonstrated by both the Government and citizens following the tragic murder of Mrs. Hellen Kamutumbe, a mother of six who was brutally killed by a mob at Kisasa Market in Kalumbila District.

We reaffirm that such barbaric acts have no place in our nation and severely dent our identity as a Christian nation. It is deeply unfortunate that members of the public resorted to venting their frustrations on an innocent citizen.

We are reminded in Scripture that “So God created mankind in His own image” (Genesis 1:27), a powerful affirmation that every human life carries God-given dignity and must be treated with respect.

We therefore ask: where has our sense of humanity and dignity gone?

CCZ further commends the swift and timely action taken by law enforcement agencies in bringing the perpetrators and all those who fueled this gruesome act to justice.

Our heartfelt condolences go to the family of Mrs. Kamutumbe as they come to terms with this tragic loss.

To the people of Zambia, may this incident serve as a solemn warning about the grave consequences of taking the law into our own hands.

The continued pockets of witchcraft-related superstition must come to an end. Claims that certain individuals lose private body parts after contact with others are entirely false and misleading.

Even in situations involving suspicion, there are designated professionals and lawful investigative procedures mandated to handle such matters thoroughly and responsibly.

This incident has demonstrated the importance of responding swiftly and decisively to acts of lawlessness in the country.

Going forward, we urge authorities to extend the same urgency to all forms of lawlessness, regardless of who is involved.

(Original copy signed)

FR. JAMES PHIRI

GENERAL SECRETARY

COUNCIL OF CHURCHES IN ZAMBIA