Couple murdered due to ‘witchcraft’

Geita. An elderly couple in Nanda Ward, Bukombe District was hacked to death by a group of unknown persons who allegedly accused the couple of being practicing witchcraft.

Geita acting regional police commander Isack Msengi identified the deceased couple as Machene Magina, 80 and his wife Genke Bundara, 75.

The RPC said the incident occurred on Friday at around 9pm at Nyag’holongo Village.

Mr Msengi said a group of unknown people stormed the couple’s home and attacked them with machetes and the police are holding five suspects in connection to the killings.

Nanda councillor Jumamosi Mathias whose home is close to the deceased couple’ house, said he heard them screaming for help.

“I heard the couple screaming for help and I tried to call the police but by the time they picked my phone call it was too little too late as the couple had already died,” said Mr Mathias.

The councillor added that he had known the couple for a very long time and he had never associated them with witchcraft.