Africa
Serial killer Vampire in dramatic escape from Kenyan prison
Serial killer Vampire in dramatic escape from Kenyan prison
An accused serial killer dubbed “a vampire” and suspected of murdering 42 women has escaped from custody with 12 other detainees, Kenyan officials said Tuesday, September 20.
Mohamed Amin, the head of the nation’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations, said Collins Jumaisi Khalusha of Kenya and other suspects from Eritrea had been allowed to escape from Nairobi’s Gigiri police station with the help of eight officers, including the station commanders.
Officials claim the inmates cut through a wire mesh in their cells and scaled a perimeter wall, with top brass only learning of the escape when officers went to the cells to serve the detainees breakfast.
After the escape, police found several cell phones and a machete in Khalusha’s home when they did a search there.
“Our preliminary investigations indicate that the escape was aided by insiders, considering that officers were deployed accordingly to guard the station,” Amin said.
“This was a high-value suspect who was to face serious charges,” Amin said of Khalusha, 33 — who police have described as “a vampire, a psychopath.”
“We are investigating the incident and will take action accordingly,” Amin said.
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The breakout occurred after officials ordered Khalusha to remain under police custody for another week as detectives continued to investigate the 42 homicides linked to him.
Khalusha was arrested in July after authorities were made aware of the discovery of 10 mutilated bodies inside a quarry in Nairobi’s Kware neighborhood.
Officials claim Khalusha confessed to not only killing the 10 women but 32 others within the span of two years, with the first victim being his missing wife.
When he was initially taken into custody, Amin described the suspect as a “psychopathic serial killer who has no respect for human life.”
Khalusha’s lawyer, John Maina Ndegwa, previously told reporters that his client was innocent and that his confession was made after he was allegedly tortured by police.
Ndegwa said he last spoke to his client Friday when the court ordered him to be held for seven more days, with the lawyer baffled over the prison break.
“I’m also confused by the news,” he told The Associated Press.
The eight officers accused of helping Khalusha and the other inmates escape are now facing disciplinary measures, according to acting Police Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli.
Serial killer Vampire in dramatic escape from Kenyan prison
Africa
Nigeria denies alleged plot to destabilise Niger Republic
Nigeria denies alleged plot to destabilise Niger Republic
The Federal Government of Nigeria has refuted “in very strong terms” allegations that it is plotting to destabilise neighbouring Niger Republic.
The Nigerien authorities alleged that the Lakurawa terrorist group, with the help of foreign security forces, including Nigerian security forces, were responsible for the attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline on December 13, 2024, in Gaya, Dosso Region of Niger Republic.
However, Nigeria, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on Saturday signed by its acting spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, refuted the allegation.
“The Government of Nigeria condoles with the Government of Niger over the unfortunate attack on the oil pipeline, but informs that the perpetrators were neither backed nor assisted by Nigerian authorities.
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“The Government of Nigeria is strongly committed to the fight against terrorism and will not condone or support the activities of such groups.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria also expresses very serious concern and states categorically that there are no French military troops in the northern part of the country preparing to destabilize the Government of Niger.
“These allegations are unfounded and should be discarded in their entirety,” the Statement read in part.
It also noted that the relationship between Nigeria and France had always been cordial, saying it is guided by mutual respect, dignity, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
The government of Nigeria assured that it would continue to explore all peaceful means to maintain its cordial relationship with the Republic of Niger for the benefit of the people of both countries.
Nigeria denies alleged plot to destabilise Niger Republic
Africa
Suspected witchdoctors arrested over attempt to ‘bewitch’ Zambia’s President
Suspected witchdoctors arrested over attempt to ‘bewitch’ Zambia’s President
Two men were detained in Zambia on charges of being “witchdoctors” tasked with attempting to bewitch the president.
The police stated they had arrested Jasten Mabulesse Candunde and Leonard Phiri in Lusaka.
“Their purported mission was to use charms to harm” President Hakainde Hichilema, according to the police statement issued on Friday.
Many individuals in the southern African country believe in and dread witches.
The police stated Mr. Candunde and Mr. Phiri were hired by Nelson Banda, MP Emmanuel “Jay Jay” Banda’s younger brother.
The MP was reportedly arrested last month in nearby Zimbabwe on robbery allegations, which he denies, but he has not been seen in public since.
He is also accused of escaping from detention in August while waiting to appear in court.
The opposition Patriotic Front (PF), led by z, has previously claimed that the charges are politically motivated.
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Emmanuel Banda, who has been an independent MP since 2021, previously worked with Lungu, who lost the presidency to Hichilema that same year.
The police stated the MP’s younger brother, Nelson, was “currently on the run” in their statement.
Mr. Candunde and Mr. Phiri face charges under Zambia’s Witchcraft Act for “possession of charms,” “professing knowledge of witchcraft,” and “cruelty to wild animals.”
The pair was found with “assorted charms,” including a live chameleon, according to the authorities.
According to the police statement, they claimed they had been given more than 2 million Zambian kwacha (£58,000; $73,000) for their “mission.”
The accused are in jail and will appear in court “soon,” according to the police, although no specific date has been set for the hearing. They have not yet responded in public to the charges.
Suspected witchdoctors arrested over attempt to ‘bewitch’ Zambia’s President
Africa
South African man sentenced to six life terms for killing his relatives
South African man sentenced to six life terms for killing his relatives
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