Cow search sparks clashes in Petauke
By Christopher Miti
One person has died and two others injured in a bloody clash between two villages in Chief MUMBI’s area in Petauke District, in an operation to secure a stolen cow.
Eastern Province Police Commanding officer ROBERTSON MWEEMBA says the deceased JOSEPH TEMBO of Kalewa village was stabbed in the stomach.
Mr. MWEEMBA says the villagers fought running battles using sticks, knives and other offensive weapons.
He says the fight was sparked by the move taken by villagers from Kalewa village who went to secure a stolen cow that was tied to a tree at Yambani village.
Mr. MWEEMBA says when it was discovered that the stolen cow was tied to a tree at Yambani village, a group of 25 men from Kalewa village decided to go there and rescue it.
He says their move was misunderstood by the people of Yambani village who quickly mobilized and started attacking them leading to the death of Mr. TEMBO.
Mr. MWEEMBA says the body of the deceased was dumped in the bush.
He says the majority of the people at Yambani village have deserted the village following the incident which occurred yesterday.
Mr. MWEEEMBA says police have instituted investigations into the matter.
He says the body of the deceased has since been retrieved by the police.
