THE Ndola Magistrates’ Court has denied 15 people, who allegedly looted properties belonging to a businessman on witchcraft allegations, bail.
The 15 where arrested by police after riots and looting in Chipulukusu township.
The 15 pleaded not guilty to malicious damage to property and theft.
The matter has been adjourned to November 24, 2020.
Last week, Copperbelt Commissioner of Police Charity Katanga said 15 people were apprehended for riotous behavior and looting.
She said the incident happened after a judgment was passed in favour of Sydney Kunda, whom they accused of bewitching another person’s son three years ago.
Katanga warned people engaging in criminal activities in the name of witch hunting stating that their days were numbered as police would not rest until culprits were brought to book.
“Police received a report from Mr Kunda, a businessman from Mapalo area who said Grace Mwamba of the same area named him to be a wizard and alleged that he bewitched her son three years ago and the matter was before court. The matter was dismissed as there was insufficient evidence against Mr Kunda,” said Katanga.
She said the situation angered some members of the public, who descended on Mr Kunda’s shop and house and looted household the properties.
Katanga said police managed to calm the situation and apprehended the suspects to help to assist with investigations.
She warned that police would not allow such activities to continue and that whoever was involved would be brought to book.