News

Philippines: Why Siquijor loves its ‘witches’

The island has a reputation for witchcraft, something that has fascinated – and frightened –people. Proof of this is a YouTube video titled “Siquijor Magic” that went viral a few years ago. It shows an alleged “sorcerer” from Siquijor making paper dolls dance to guitar music.

The local government unit, however, seeks to change Siquijor’s image of black magic to that of a “Healing Island.” It seeks to capitalize on the traditional healing methods and cures indigenous to the island. To this end, it has been holding since 2009 the annual Healing Festival at the highest peak of the island, the Bandilaan Mountain View Park. It provides stalls for healers and herbalists where patients or plain tourists can consult them.

Read more here

Kenya: ‘Witchcraft’ Kilifi Couple Threatened

A couple sought refuge at Kilifi police station after neighbours threatened to kill them for allegedly practising witchcraft. Katana Charo, 70, and Kenya Randu from Ngerenya village in Kilifi county recorded statements on Saturday.

Kilifi police boss Justine Nyaga said they are conducting investigations. Speaking in his office on Sunday, he said they are working with local leaders to arrest those who threatened the couple.

Read more here

Namibia: Magical guise may be reason for charges, accused claims

Kenya: 70 Year Old Stoned To Death

A 70 year old man was attacked and his body set ablaze by residents of Kiambere in Mbeere South on suspicion that he was practicing witchcraft.

OCPD Bernstein Shari said police have started investigating the matter and those involved in the death of the elderly man will be arrested and prosecuted.

Read more here

Nigeria: Mob Vandalises Police Officer’s House Over Alleged Ritual Den; 17 Suspects Arrested; and 2 Men Attacked

Hundreds of youths, yesterday, threatened to burn down a building rumoured to be a suspected ritualists’ den in Ijaiye area of Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State but for the intervention of security agents from the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Ogun State Vigilance Service Organisation, VSO.

Meantime, the Ogun State Police Command yesterday said it had arrested 17 persons over the attack on two mad men who were acussed of planning to kidnap a child.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Muyiwa Adejobi in a statement while reacting to the attack on the mad men and a house which was described as a ritualists den condemned the acts.

Read more here

Nigeria: Ritual Killings – Ogun Police Warn Against Jungle Justice

The Ogun State Police Command on Sunday warned citizens to desist from carrying out jungle justice on suspected ritualists in the state. The move became necessary after it was found out that some people were attacked based on frivolous allegations.

The warning was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the PRO of the Command, DSP Muyiwa Adejobi. 

Read more here

Nepal: Nepal Readies First-Ever Witchcraft Act to Protect Women

Today we can report that Nepal, the country with the highest concentration of attacks, has taken some concrete steps to curb and, hopefully end, witchcraft-related violence. According to the Republica:

The government is working to finalize a draft of the ´Witchcraft Act (Charge and Punishment) 2014 to take stringent action against those involved in the inhuman treatment of females accused of practicing witchcraft. 

Read more here

UK: Helen Ukpabio’s London visit renews focus on African child abuse

The Witchcraft Human Rights and Information Network (WHRIN), The Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales and the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) all reportedly contacted Home Secretary Theresa May and requested that Ukpabio be deported and permanently banned from the UK. Why? Gary Foxcroft, Executive Director of WHRIN explains:

… There have been numerous cases of children in the UK being tortured and sometimes killed due to the beliefs that Helen Ukpabio espouses … We cannot afford to wait for another such case before the Government takes action to put a stop to such preachers.

Read more here

South Africa: Man accuses gran of witchcraft, chops her neck

A man is expected to appear in the Giyani Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for allegedly killing his 83-year-old grandmother with an axe, Limpopo police said.

“The 29-year-old grandson accused his grandmother, Miluva Chauke, of bewitching his mother,” said spokeswoman Colonel Ronel Otto.

“He took an axe and chopped her on the neck on Saturday.”

Read more here

India: After eight months, Dabholkar killers elude police net

The sensational murder of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar is yet to be solved eight months after he was was gunned down while on a morning walk here, creating a nationwide furore.

Despite assurances by top officials, including Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Home Minister R.R. Patil, there is no progress in nabbing the culprits.

Dabholkar, a campaigner against superstition and witchcraft and a medical doctor, social worker and a journalist, was shot at from close range and killed while on a morning walk near his residence close to the Omkareshwar temple in Pune Aug 20

Read more here