22/03/2026
Justice
Mob Justice in Kalumbila
What happened in Kalumbila is not just tragic, it is a national disgrace.
A woman lost her life in the most brutal and senseless way, not because she was proven guilty of any crime, but because of an unverified accusation fueled by panic, ignorance, and mob mentality. A life was taken based on mere suspicion, no evidence, no investigation, no truth.
We must ask ourselves hard questions as a society.
Did this young man, Prince Ntambo, present any proof that his private parts had actually “disappeared”? Did anyone verify this claim medically or through any credible authority? Or did people simply react emotionally, choosing violence over reason?
Mob justice is never justice, it is murder. It is lawlessness. It is a complete breakdown of order. We cannot, in 2026, behave like people living in the 1600s, driven by superstition instead of facts. A civilized society relies on institutions, on due process, and on the rule of law, not on mobs with stones and sticks.
What makes this even more disturbing is that this is not an isolated incident. A similar situation reportedly occurred in Chingola just about a week ago. Are we now normalizing this kind of behavior? Are we saying that anyone can accuse another person of something bizarre and the public will respond with violence?
That path is dangerous for everyone.
Today it is someone else. Tomorrow, it could be you, your sister, your brother, your mother - accused without proof and denied a chance to defend themselves.
We need the authorities to show muscle
There is an urgent need for public education. Citizens must be taught how to respond to such claims, report to the police, seek medical verification, and allow investigations to take place. We must move away from fear-driven reactions and embrace rational thinking.
At the same time, the law must take its full course.
Those involved in this barbaric act in Kalumbila must be held accountable. Not just as a formality, but as a strong and clear message: mob justice will not be tolerated in Zambia. If we fail to punish such actions decisively, we risk encouraging more of the same.
We must choose law over chaos. Reason over panic. Humanity over brutality.
Because if we don’t, then we are all at risk.
Jackson Demus Phiri
Media Personality
