Mufumbwe residents in North Western Province have burnt down a Police station and two vehicles after officers tried to stop them from carrying out a ritual procession known as “chikondo”.

North Western Province police commissioner Auxencio Daka confirmed the development, saying the incident left three police officer seriously injured.

“Resident in Mufumbwe have burnt Mufumbwe Police Station following an attempt by police to stop “chikondo” or a moving coffin procession from taking place. This was after the death of (female) Martha Mingochi of Kakilufya area of Mufumbwe district, a Grade 11 pupil at Jairo Fumpa Secondary School who died on October 13, 2017,” Daka explained.

“Upon talkng to them to stop what they were doing, they started throwing stones and the mob turned against the police. The officers retreated to the police station but the mob followed and burnt the police station and two vehicles including office materials.”

He said the residents believed that a named wizard caused the death of the school girl, hence the ritual procession.

Daka identified the injured officers as Constable Kamwengo, Sgt tembo and R/const Munangandu.

“The vehicles which were burnt are a Canter truck belonging to Inspector Kalunyange and a Toyota Noah belonging to Nkinke Nelson, whch was brought by the court beliff,” said Daka.

“The Chikondo took place around 15:00 hours. So far no one has been arrested but investigations are still going on.”