Witchdoctor Faces Alarming Allegations of Child Exploitation

 

By Annie Zulu

Chilufya Chileya, 54, widely known as Kalonga Kanono, a prominent Lusaka-based witchdoctor, is facing allegations linking him to troubling incidents involving the exploitation of minors. These claims, which have reportedly gone unaddressed for years, have raised serious concerns about the safety of vulnerable girls.

Sources allege that Chileya’s actions target young girls aged between 13 and 16. He is accused of exploiting their vulnerability by making promises of love, protection, and financial support. Critics claim that he uses his influence and perceived power to gain the trust of these minors, offering them attention and affection they might lack elsewhere.

A 15-year-old girl, whose identity is being protected, shared her account of being approached in a manner she found unsettling.

The girl explained that Chileya lives in her neighbourhood and has been trying to pursue her for some time. She said he would stop whenever he saw her, compliment her on her appearance, and ask her to get into his car, but she always refuses.

She added that she did not know how he obtained her phone number, but he began calling and texting her, even sending money she had not requested. Feeling increasingly worried, she decided to inform her mother about the situation.

“This persistence made me uncomfortable, and I eventually decided to inform my mother about what was happening,” she said.

In an SMS conversation reviewed by this reporter, messages attributed to Chileya appear to show him making advances toward the girl.

To verify the sender’s identity, the Truecaller app was used, linking the phone number to the name “Chilufya Chileya.”

The girl’s mother expressed deep concern for her daughter’s safety and disclosed that she had already reported the incident to Lusaka Central Police, though no action has been taken yet.

“As a mother, I’m worried about my daughter’s well-being. This man has been repeatedly contacting her, sending money she didn’t ask for, and attempting to form an emotional connection with her, which is very unsettling. His actions are a threat not only to my daughter but to other girls in the neighborhood,” she said.

The mother is calling on authorities to investigate the situation and ensure the individual is held accountable for his actions.

“This man needs to be stopped before he causes any more harm. He is a danger to my daughter and other girls in the area,” she added.

A 16-year-old girl shared a disturbing encounter with Chileya while walking home from school with friends. She recounted that Chileya approached them and offered money.

“He approached us and offered money. I didn’t know what he wanted, but it felt strange, so we just walked away,” she said.

When contacted for a response to this and other allegations, Chileya declined to comment. He abruptly ended the call and later blocked the reporter's number.

Witchdoctor Chilufya Chileya

Concerns about Zambia’s justice system

Chileya seems to have developed the ability to evade justice raising significant concerns about the effectiveness of Zambia's legal and law enforcement systems. His actions have allowed him to continue exploiting vulnerable individuals, particularly underage girls, for personal gain.

In June 2024, Chileya was arrested on charges of allegedly defiling a 14-year-old girl. He was later granted bail. Zambia Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga confirmed the arrest in a press statement issued on June 26, 2024.

The victim’s family expressed frustration, highlighting the lack of progress in the case, which has been repeatedly passed between the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) and the police without being taken to court.

This was not Chileya’s first legal issue. In 2017, he was arrested for allegedly shooting his sister with a pistol, causing a gunshot wound to her left upper hand. Police reports indicated that he had previously threatened to kill other family members, and a pistol, along with five empty cartridges, was recovered at the scene.

In 2015, Chileya was arrested again after a violent riot broke out in Kanyama Township. The riot was triggered by residents who suspected him of defiling a 16-year-old girl.

But the sexual offences against children surrounding Chileya don’t end with these well-documented alleged criminal acts.

The bigger question

The alleged actions of Chileya, involving the exploitation of girls, constitute serious offences under the Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022.

The Act stipulates that no child under the age of 16 should be subjected to sexual abuse, exploitation, prostitution, coercion into sexual activity, or exposure to obscene or pornographic materials.

The penalties for such crimes are severe. A conviction can result in a life sentence, with a minimum of 15 years in prison.

 

A key factor enabling Chileya to evade justice appears to be his alleged access to money, which he reportedly uses to exert control and influence within the legal system.

According to a relative of one victim, who requested anonymity, Chileya has been accused of attempting to bribe victims' families to silence them or persuade them to drop charges.

The relative revealed that Chileya had offered money in an effort to persuade them to withdraw the case.

“He offered us money to withdraw the case, but we refused. Accepting it would have meant failing the little girl,” the relative explained, stressing their determination to stand firm and pursue justice despite the bribe attempt.

Child Rescue Foundation (CRF), a child rights advocacy organisation, has called for stricter measures to address child defilement cases.

Founder and Executive Director Anastasia Banda emphasised the profound and enduring impact of child defilement on young girls and their families.

She stressed that the trauma suffered by victims is often exacerbated by the legal system's leniency towards offenders. Banda argued that such individuals should not be given opportunities to influence or intimidate victims or their families.

 “We believe that by denying bail to those accused of child defilement, the justice system would send a strong message that society does not tolerate such heinous crimes,” Banda stated.

Assurance from the Authorities

The Deputy Chief State Advocate in the Gender-Based Crimes Department at the National Prosecution Authority (NPA), Chali Hambayi, has confirmed that the investigation into a case involving Chileya is nearing completion.

Hambayi assured the public that the matter is being handled with urgency and will soon be presented in court.

“Rest assured, we are actively working to conclude the investigation as quickly as possible so that the matter can proceed to court,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Zambia Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga reiterated the police's commitment to ensuring justice is served. He acknowledged that while the process might sometimes appear delayed, this is due to essential procedural requirements.