African News
A NYAU dancer of the Gule Wamukulu in Chadiza District of Eastern Province has abandoned his colorful costumes made from animal remains and has gone on the run in fear of police who have launched a manhunt for him.
Now, rather than seeking ancestral intervention to alleviate the drought in his hunger-hit district, the fugitive Gule Wamukulu is engaging his gods to grant him protection against the painful slaps administered by the men and women from Lilayi.
The nyau dancer in question is sought for assaulting a 17-year-old girl, whom he struck repeatedly with a walking stick until she lost consciousness.
The young lady’s transgression was late arrival to sing for the masked nyau during an evening ceremony on October 15.
According to a statement issued by Zambia Police Service assistant public relations officer Godfrey Chilabi, on the evening of the incident, the 17-year-old female victim and her friend went to Fwintha Village to watch and sing for the Chewa traditional dance known as “Gule Wamkulu.”
Upon arrival, the two young ladies were intercepted by a duo of masked nyau dancers, who ordered them to depart, citing that their late arrival precluded participation in the ‘Gule’ event’s musical performances.
The victim and her friend complied and began walking back home.
As darkness descended, the unsuspecting duo walked away, unaware of the sinister shadows lurking behind. Alongside his accomplice, the Gule Wamukulu stalked his prey with feet pounding the earth in relentless pursuit.
The girls’ gentle footsteps quickened into a frantic sprint as the dancers closed in. The victim’s friend burst free, vanishing into the night, but the 17-year-old was trapped.
With ruthless efficiency, the spirit-posesssed attackers unleashed a barrage of blows, the walking stick cracking through the air and whipping the defenceless girl with sickening precision. The girl’s cries echoed through the desolate landscape, fading into haunting silence as consciousness slipped away.
Chilabi explained that after becoming unconscious from the beating, a relative rushed the victim to Chamandala Clinic, where she was referred to Chadiza District Hospital for further treatment.
“Following an investigation, on October 19, 2024, police apprehended Abraham Mbewe, while efforts to locate the other Gule Wamkulu dancer are ongoing,” Chilabi revealed.
“Police wish to thank the traditional leadership in the area for their cooperation and support, which led to the apprehension of the suspect,” he said.
“Meanwhile, a manhunt for the accomplice has been launched. We wish to appeal to the public to assist with any information that may lead to the arrest of the remaining suspect, who is still at large,” added Chilabi.
