Southern Province Police Commissioner Auxensio Daka has identified the suspect as Daniel Mainza of Kaingu Chiefdom in Itezhi-Tezhi district.

He says the suspect extorted 4 Cows worth K24, 000 as payment for cleansing from 42 year old Phales Shimabanga who he accused of being a witch.

Mr. Daka explains that the incident happened on 3rd March 2024 around 05:00 hours at New Ngoma area in Chief Musungwa in Itezhi- Tezhi district.

He says brief facts of the matter are that on 3rd March 2024 the complainant learnt of the presence of the said spiritualist in their community and decided seek help regarding some property she lost in 2023.

Mr. Daka adds that the complainant was hoping to be told who stole her property but was instead accused of being a witch by Mr. Mainza who later compelled her to pay the 4 cattle and a K500.00 so that she could be cleansed of her witchcraft.

He notes that the complainant unwillingly surrendered the said property to the spiritualist on the 24th March 2024 but was not happy of how she was treated hence she decided to report the matter to the Police.

Mr Daka says Police has since arrested the Spiritualist and arrangements to recover the extorted animals are being made.