Category Archives: Superstition

Eastern Region, Ghana : 13-year-old girl escapes alleged ritual killing

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Unfortunately, killing or murdering for ritualistic purposes is no unknown crime in Ghana. It originates from traditional practices and beliefs (read: superstition). As in many more SSA countries, ritualistic killers do not hesitate to attack, abduct and abuse innocent victims, sometimes at random, just for their own, personal motives: to get-rich-quick or to enhance their prestige or political power.

This is what happened – or almost happened – in Ghana’s Eastern Region when four individuals attempted to murder a 12-year old girl, apparently for ritualistic purposes as they attempted to cut off her breast. Happily they got caught and fled.

The Eastern Region is Ghana’s third largest region with a land area of 19,323 km2 (8.1% of the country’s land area). Its population is the third highest after Ashanti and Greater Accra Regions and is estimated at close to 4 million people (2024) which represents about 10% of the total population of this West African country. The region has four major ethnic groupings, namely Akan (52.1%), the Ga-Dangme (18.9%), the Ewes (15.9%) and the Guans (7.2%).
(webmaster FVDK)

Eastern Region: 13-year-old girl escapes alleged ritual killing

Published: January 12, 2025
By: Neil Nii Kanarku – CitiNewsRoom, Ghana

A 13-year-old girl narrowly escaped an alleged ritual killing after being abducted by four unidentified men on Friday at Aburi-Kitase in the Akuapem South Municipality of the Eastern Region.

The teenager, who lives near the residence of former President John Agyekum Kufuor, went missing around 8 pm while heading to buy food in Kitase.

According to Citi News sources, the abductors had bound the girl’s hands and legs and were reportedly preparing to harm her by slashing her breast. However, they fled the scene when a good Samaritan fired warning shots upon discovering their activities.

Speaking to Citi News, the Assembly Member for the Kitase Electoral Area, Frank Amankwah, confirmed the incident and linked the growing insecurity in the area to the malfunctioning streetlights along the Ayi Mensah to Peduase Lodge stretch.

Amankwah called on the Inspector General of Police to bolster security in the area and address the rising prevalence of social vices near the Peduase Presidential Lodge.

“I have made several complaints about these traffic issues. From Ayi Mensah to Peduase Lodge, the street lights situated there are all not functioning. Boys from Ashiaman, Madina, Nungua, and nearby towns all come here, so if something like this happens, we cannot identify the source of it.

“So, I am pleading for adequate security in the area. It is very unfortunate how loose the security is in Peduase Lodge. I plead with the IGP and all the security apparatus to come to our aid.” he urged.

Source: Eastern Region: 13-year-old girl escapes alleged ritual killing

Same article:

13-year-old girl escapes alleged ritual killing in Eastern Region

Published: January 12, 2025
By: Adom Online, Ghana

To listen to the article please click here

Source: 13-year-old girl escapes alleged ritual killing in Eastern Region

Read also:

13-year-old girl survives alleged ritual murder attempt in Eastern Region

Published: January 12, 2025
By: Myjoyonline, Ghana

A 13-year-old girl narrowly escaped from an alleged ritual killing after being abducted by four unidentified men in Aburi-Kitase, located in the Akuapem South Municipality of the Eastern Region.

The incident occurred on Friday evening while the teenager went out to buy food around 8 pm.

According to reports, the abductors tied the girl’s hands and legs and were allegedly preparing to harm her, intending to slash her breast as part of their ritual.

However, their plans were thwarted when a passer-by, alarmed by the unfolding situation, fired warning shots, forcing the men to flee the scene.

Frank Amankwah, the Assembly Member for the Kitase Electoral Area, confirmed the incident in an interview with Citi FM.

He attributed the growing insecurity in the area to the non-functional streetlights along the Ayi Mensah to Peduase Lodge stretch, which have left the area poorly lit and vulnerable to criminal activities.

Amankwah expressed concern about the rising cases of social vices near the Peduase Presidential Lodge and urged the Inspector General of Police to enhance security in the area.

He explained that the lack of proper lighting and surveillance has made it difficult to identify culprits, with individuals from surrounding towns taking advantage of the situation to commit crimes.

“It is troubling that the streetlights from Ayi Mensah to Peduase Lodge are all out of order, and this has created a haven for miscreants.”

“I appeal to the IGP and other security authorities to prioritise our safety and address this issue promptly,” he stated.

NB – DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Source: 13-year-old girl survives alleged ritual murder attempt in Eastern Region

And:

13-year-old narrowly escapes ritual killing in Eastern Region

Image of an unidentified individual being tied up

Published: January 12, 2025
by: Ghana Web

Source: 13-year-old narrowly escapes ritual killing in Eastern Region

Kano State, Nigeria – man arrested for allegedly hypnotising victim to steal baby and remove eyes for rituals

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Reportedly, also in the religious north of Nigeria superstition, greed and ritual crimes occur….

Kano State is located in the North West geopolitical zone of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria is divided into six geopolitical zones commonly called zones. 

Kano State is an inland state. With an estimated population of 16,3 million people (in 2023) it is Nigeria’s most populous state though with a surface area of 20,131 km2 it only ranks 20th (out of 36 states).

The state’s capital Kano is Nigeria’s second largest city (after Lagos).

Kano state has a majority Muslim population and operates the Islamic legal system – Sharia – alongside secular law.
(webmaster FVDK)

Nigeria: Elderly Man In Kano State Arrested For Allegedly Hypnotising Victim To Steal Baby And Remove Eyes For Rituals

Operatives from the Bompai Police Station apprehended Yahaya after an individual, whom he had allegedly hypnotised, was caught attempting to carry out the bizarre request.

Published: January 2, 2025
By: Sahara Reporters

An elderly man, identified as Malam Yahaya from the Utoro community in Kano State, has been arrested for allegedly sending an individual to steal a baby to gouge his eyes out for ritual purposes.

Operatives from the Bompai Police Station apprehended Yahaya after an individual, whom he had allegedly hypnotised, was caught attempting to carry out the bizarre request.

In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, the ‘hypnotised’ person, identified as Kabir Sani, led the police to Yahaya’s residence, where officers discovered disturbing items, including a calabash with an inscription, white and red clothes, and various charms.

Sani said, “My name is Kabir Sani. I reside in Utoro, and I am 25 years old. I came to visit Malam because I was not feeling well. He gave me some medicine with water and told me to use my urine for three days.

“After I came back, he gave me ‘Tulare’ perfume and Hantu. Immediately, my brain shut down, and I was not myself. Anything he told me to do, I did without questioning his authority.

“He told me that he would give me N1 million, but he asked me to go and find a child whose eyes he would remove to use in preparing a charm for a soldier to make him disappear.

“I went to my sister’s house and told her everything Malam Yahaya asked me to do. I told her that I wasn’t myself anymore. I tried to find an 8-month-old child who lives in our house.”

“Unfortunately, I was unable to bring the child because if I had, Malam Yahaya would have removed his eyes. I’m pleading with people to help me beg Malam to return my senses to normal,” Sani added.

When SaharaReporters contacted the Kano State Police spokesperson, Haruna Abdullahi, he did not answer calls or reply to his messages.

Source: Elderly Man In Kano Arrested For Allegedly Hypnotising Victim To Steal Baby And Remove Eyes For Rituals

Kano State borders on Katsina State to the northwest, Jigawa State to the northeast, Bauchi State to the southeast and Kaduna State to the southwest.

Nigeria: Ritualists on Rampage in Delta State capital Asaba

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Leo Igwe is a famous Nigerian, human rights activist, an indefatigable fighter against superstition, witchcraft and ritualistic murders. In 2020 he started Advocacy for Alleged Witches. On numerous occasions I have praised him on this site for his valuable work fighting superstition, witchcraft and ritualistic violence and helping and supporting the victims of witchcraft and superstition.

The year 2025 is only a few days old, yet Leo Igwe is again at the forefront of the fight against ritualistic attacks and murders, ‘money rituals’, notably in his home country with the following chilling account of an attempt to kidnap a young lady, a university student, who narrowly escaped a violent death.

I have repeatedly stated on this site that Nigeria may be the African country with the highest incidence of ritualistic crimes. Africa’s largest country needs more people like Leo Igwe to help eradicate superstition, witchcraft and violent ritualistic behavior.

There is no place for these outdated practices which violate the human rights of the Nigerian people and make a mockery of the rule of law in Nigeria. (webmaster FVDK)

Ritualists on Rampage in Delta State capital Asaba

Published: January 4, 2025
By: Leo Igwe – New Times, Nigeria

Source: Ritualists on Rampage in Asaba

Nigeria: ‘The wave of ritual killings’ – a plea for stiffer punishment to deter ritual murder

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The following plea for stiffer punishment for convicted ritual murderers contains a staggering fact: according to research conducted by an NGO, the West African Network for Peace Building, Nigeria recorded 185 ritual-related deaths between January 2021 and January 2022. Among the victims were 43 women, and 30 children in 80 cases across 20 states.

Please note that we talk here about recorded cases. The total number of missing persons who have fallen prey to ritual murderers is unknown, but estimated to be very high.
(webmaster FVDK)

Nigeria: The wave of ritual killings – a plea for stiffer punishment to deter the murderers

Published: December 11, 2024
By: Press Reader – Nigeria News

Source: The wave of ritual killings – Stiffer punishment is needed to deter the murderers

Kenya: ‘Cleansing’ ceremony to save a ‘bewitched’ woman’s life in Kilifi turns tragic

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The following series of articles I found both interesting and relevant to include here despite their gruesome contents. Introduction under construction (webmaster FVDK)

Please note: Unfortunately, references to links to related articles in the copied article(s) below don/t work. Interested readers are recommended to use the original text, if available.

‘Cleansing’ ceremony to save a ‘bewitched’ woman’s life in Kilifi turns tragic

Published: December 1, 2024
By: Brian Ocharo – Nation, Kenya

Source: ‘Cleansing’ ceremony to save a ‘bewitched’ woman’s life in Kilifi turns tragic

Also read:

The Aged, On Edge – Witchcraft and Abuse of the Elderly in Kilifi and Kwame County (Kenya)

By Fr Gabriel Dolan, ED Haki Yetu, July 2023.

“Haki Yetu which means “Our Rights” in Swahili was created to combat oppression, injustice and promote human rights as a principle for social justice in our communities of interest.” (Source: Haki Yetu, Inc.)

For the readers’ convenience follows the Table of Contents. Interested readers are advised to use the link below to gain access to the document.

Table of Contents
Acknowledgement i
Abbreviations iii
Foreword iv
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 The concept of witchcraft at the Coast 4
1.2.1 The potency of accusations 6
1.2.2 Oath taking and cleansing rituals 7

CHAPTER TWO: WITCHCRAFT RELATED RIGHTS VIOLATIONS 10
2.1 Introduction 10
2.2 Witchcraft related Homicide 11
2.2.1 Murder trends in Kilifi 13
2.2.2 Murder trends in Kwale 14
2.3 Emerging Trends 16
2.3.1 ‘Bebabeba’ and Rise of the killings 16
2.3.2 ‘Waombezi’ – the prophets of doom 16
2.3.3 Access to Justice for Victims and Survivors 18

CHAPTER THREE: CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS 20
3.1 Land Ownership Disputes 20
3.2 Administrative Inaction and Corruption 23
3.3 Weak Legislations and Enforcement Pathways 25
3.4 Ignorance/Misinformation/Lack of Awareness 28

CHAPTER FOUR: LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK 31
4.1 The Constitution of Kenya, 2010 32
4.2 The Witchcraft Act, CAP 67 Laws of Kenya 33
4.3 Witness Protection Act, CAP 79 36
4.4 The AU Protocol to the ACHPR on the Rights of Older Persons in Africa 37

CHAPTER FIVE: MVI SI UCHAWI CAMPAIGN 40
5.1 Haki Yetu’s interventions 40
5.2 Impact of Haki Yetu’s Interventions 45
5.3 Lessons learned challenges and good practices 46

CHAPTER SIX: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 47
6.1 Recommendations 47
6.2 Conclusion 52

Source: The aged, on edge – witchcraft and abuse of the elderly in Kilifi and Kwale County

Also recommended :

Return of Kilifi witch killings worries authorities

Published: April 12, 2022
By: Maureen Ongala – Nation Media Group, Kenya

Source: Return of Kilifi witch killings worries authorities

Related articles:

Cries for justice for elderly women lynched on witchcraft claims

Published: January 13, 2022
By: Kamau Maichuhie – Nation Media Group

Source: Cries for justice for elderly women lynched on witchcraft claims

And:

Rabai MP faults police for rise in elderly killings

Published: October 29, 2021
By: Maureen Ongala – Nation Media Group, Kenya

Source: Rabai MP faults police for rise in elderly killings

And:

Kisii Governor Ongwae sets up witchcraft taskforce

Published: October 26, 2021
By: Ruth Mbula – Nation Media Group, Kenya

Source: Kisii Governor Ongwae sets up witchcraft taskforce

And also:

Witchcraft murders: Uhuru urged to look into plight of elderly in Kisii

Published: October 21, 2021
By: Ruth Mbula – Nation Media Group, Kenya

Source: Witchcraft murders: Uhuru urged to look into plight of elderly in Kisii

More:

‘She tried to bargain for her life’: Woman recounts granny’s plea to killer mob

Published: October 21, 2021
By: Ruth Mbula – Nation Media Group, Kenya

Relatives at the home of Sindega Maya, 83, in Marina on Monday. Maya was among four women lynched after they were accused of engaging inn witchcraft. (Ondari Omega / National Media Group).

Source: ‘She tried to bargain for her life’: Woman recounts granny’s plea to killer mob

And:

What Kenyan law says about witchcraft

Published: October 19, 2021
By: Stella Cherono – Nation Media group, Kenya

Screenshot – see the original article for details

Source: What Kenyan law says about witchcraft

And, finally, to illustrate that the problems of superstition, the belief in witchcraft and witches and of mob justice has a long history in Kenya:

Two women lynched and houses set on fire in witchcraft claims

Published: January 15, 2017 — updated on June 29, 2020
By: By HENRY NYARORA & JOSHUA ARAKA – Nation Media Group

Source: Two women lynched and houses set on fire in witchcraft claims

Nigeria: Enugu man arrested for killing family members in botched ‘money ritual’

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I’m afraid that ‘money rituals’ may be a daily practice in Nigeria, with over 225 million people Africa’s most populated country. ‘Money rituals’ imply ‘organ harvesting’ – an expression I detest – and belong to the horrible category of ritualistic killings or murders as their ‘raison d’être’ is superstition in combination with greed – material greed or physical wellbeing.

We will never know precisely how many victims die each and every day from the effect of ‘money rituals’ in Nigeria but surely there are many. (Please see my December 15 post citing a recent research reporting 185 ritual-related deaths between January 2021 and January 2022.) Most ritual murderers get away with their heinous crimes. Only a small number of alleged ritualistic killers is brought to justice.

In Enugu State, 21-year old Anaegbuachara is a would-be ritualistic killer.

Influenced by a friend and acting upon instructions of a native doctor from Kogi State, he attempted to kill his mother for ritualistic purposes, However, by accident, he ended up poisoning a number of his relatives including his grandmother, his sister and her two children. Read the details below.
(webmaster FVDK).

Enugu man arrested for killing family members in botched ‘money ritual’

Published: November 30, 2024
By: Mister Jay Wonder – GistMania, Nigeria

A young man, identified as Anaegbuachara, has been arrested in Enugu State for allegedly murdering his mother, grandmother, sister, and her son in a failed money ritual. The tragic incident took place in the Amaeze community of Nsukka Local Government Area.

According to police reports, Anaegbuachara was influenced by a friend, known as ‘Morocco,’ who allegedly connected him with a native doctor from Kogi State. The doctor, based in Nsukka, instructed the suspect to poison and sacrifice his mother as part of a ritual to acquire wealth.

However, in a twist of fate, Anaegbuachara’s grandmother, sister, and her two children visited the family home and unknowingly consumed the poisoned food. Tragically, they fell ill, and while the suspect’s sister’s son did not survive, he was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

Anaegbuachara was quickly apprehended and paraded by enraged community members. In a public display of remorse, he was forced to kneel beside his mother’s tomb and beg for her forgiveness.

The suspect is currently in police custody, as investigations continue into the horrific crime.

Source: Enugu Man Arrested For Killing Family Members In Botched Money Ritual (Video)

Witchcraft accusations and critical thinking: combating harmful effects of dogma and superstitions in Africa – by Leo Igwe (Nigeria)

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There’s no need to introduce Leo Igwe to the regular readers of my posts here on this site.

For those who’ve missed his articles and essays I may briefly refer to some of my previous posts, in 2018 (‘Confronting Superstition in Postcolonial Mozambique’), in 2021 (his comments on the arrest of suspected ritualists in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria), 2023 (‘Witchcraft Persecution and Advocacy without Borders in Africa’ and ‘A manifesto for a skeptical Africa’), and the current year 2024 (‘Ritual killing by 16-year-old indicates moral and educational failures’, commenting on a gruesome murder for ritual purposes in his home country Nigeria).

Leo Igwe is a famous human rights activist, an indefatigable fighter against superstition, witchcraft and ritualistic murders. In 2020 he started Advocacy for Alleged Witches. In this blog he regularly publishes on the lives of those affected by superstition and his organization’s efforts to save and/or to improve their lives.

The list of his achievements is too long to cite here, for shortness sake readers are referred to the internet where he is widely present.

Advocacy for Alleged Witches , created by Leo Igwe in 2020.

In a recent article published in Ghana Leo Igwe gives his views on witchcraft and the need to effectively fight superstition, not only in this West African country, but in all African countries. He does not hide his views and feelings, as will be clear when reading the following essay.

No need to elaborate further on his message. Let me invite you to start reading while praising Leo Igwe and the valuable work he’s doing!
(webmaster FVDK)

Witchcraft accusations and critical thinking: combating harmful effects of dogma and superstitions in Africa

Published: October 28, 2024
By: Leo Igwe – GhanaWeb

Leo Igwe works and campaigns to foster critical thinking skills in schools

Source: Witchcraft Accusations and Critical Thinking: Combating harmful effects of dogma and superstitions in Africa

South Africa: eight people arrested in Modutung after allegedly killing a woman accused of witchcraft and of kidnapping a young girl for ritual purposes 

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The following post contains every ingredient for a horror story: a mysterious disappearance, a kidnapping, a dead body, a suspected murder for ritual purposes, muti, superstition, witchcraft and mob justice – leading to the death of the alleged perpetrator who was accused of being a witch. It’s story with only losers: the victim, an innocent 11-year old girl, the alleged witch, the village community and the rule of law.

However, the authorities have reacted swiftly, arresting eight people accused of involvement in the death of the alleged witch, a 40-year old woman named Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu, and the arson attack and the looting which took place. The police started also an investigation into the death of the young victim, Rhetabile Molapo. The girl went missing on October 13, the eruption of jungle justice occurred a week later, on October 20.

It all happened in a village called Modutung, near Taung, a small town situated in the North West Province of South Africa. Tau is the Tswana word for lion.

Among paleontologists Taung is known as the site where in 1924 the fossilised skull of a young Australopithecus africanus was discovered, named the Taung child. It was estimated to be between 2.8 and 3.3 million years old. This was an extremely important discovery in light of the origin of mankind.
(FVDK)

Warning: the following articles contain graphic details which may upset readers

Eight people arrested in Modutung after allegedly killing a woman during mob justice 

Published: October 25, 2024
By: Obakeng Maje – Taung DailyNews

Eight people were arrested by the police in Modutung village, near Taung on 25 October 2024. This follows the death of a woman, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu (40), who was burned and killed by community members on 20 October 2024.

The community members also looted spaza shops, burned Mothusiemang-Legodu’ son, Kopano Legodu (22), including her RDP house. Legodu is currently in critical condition in hospital.

Mothusiemang-Legodu, was accused of kidnapping and killing a young girl, Rethabile Molapo (11) for ritual purposes. Molapo went missing on 13 October 2024, after she was sent to go and fetch a church uniform at home. It is alleged that she was kidnapped by unknown assailants.

Her charred body was found in a pit toilet in an abandoned house three days later.

This prompted the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng to visit the area on Wednesday. Morweng, who met with both bereaved family members, said they will lead a Crime Prevention Imbizo in the troubled community.  

“The Imbizo comes as a form of intervention following my visit to the community. Last week, unrest ensued after an incident of a missing child, whose lifeless body was later found. Reportedly, tensions escalated in the community and resulted in an elderly woman’s home being set alight, leading to her demise.

“We are saddened by the unfortunate turn of events and went to visit the Jackson, as well as the Mothusiemang families. As a government, we have a great interest in the case because of the nature of how the events unfolded,” he said.

Morweng further said they have resolved to embark on an Imbizo to bring peace, stability and work together with the community in the creation of a safer community. He added that the police are thoroughly handling investigations into the matter to bring justice to the families and the community at large.

“I continue to urge everyone to remain calm and allow the police to do their work. I believe that the police will do justice to the case, the district is working together with the province and all hands are on deck.

“Investigations are underway, arrests will be made and perpetrators will be brought to book,” said Morweng.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that a team was established to investigate criminal activities that engulfed Modutung village, in Taung on 20 October 2024.

“Eight people were arrested in the early hours of today. A detailed statement will be released later today.”

Source: Eight people arrested in Modutung after allegedly killing a woman during mob justice 

More on the same topic:

More people might be arrested in Modutung mob justice killing

Picture: Community members barricade internal road

Published: October 25, 2024
By: Obakeng Maje – Taung DailyNews

5 October 2024- Eight suspects who were arrested by a multi-disciplinary team assembled to investigate criminal activities that engulfed Modutung village, near Taung on 20 October 2024, are set to appear at Taung Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspects (seven men and a woman) aged between 29 and 45, were arrested in Modutung village for allegedly committing the crimes after a missing girl, Rethabile Molapo’s burnt body was found and retrieved from an unused pit latrine. 

Mokgwabone said following the discovery and the funeral of Molapo, some community members took the law into their own hands.

“Among others, they allegedly kidnapped and severely assaulted the traditional healer’ son, Kopano Legodu (22), set alight the traditional healer, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu’s house and ultimately killed her after she managed to get out of the house.  

“Moreover, goods were looted from a tavern and a tuckshop, which were then set ablaze. The police worked tirelessly to effect the arrest of eight suspects in the early hours of today for different offences that include attempted murder and kidnapping, arson, murder and malicious damage to property,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said all suspects are expected to appear in the Taung Magistrate’s Court on 28 October 2024. He added that investigations into the matter are underway and the possibility of more arrests cannot be ruled out.

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the success and commended the police who were involved in the investigation, tracing and subsequent arrests of the suspects. Kwena urged members of the community to remain calm and work with the police to ensure that all those who perpetrated acts of mob justice and the killing of a young girl are brought to book to face the full might of the law.     

Meanwhile, the community members have embarked on a protest. They have barricaded the internal road that links Magogong/Diplankeng and N18 road with stones and burning tyres demanding the release of those arrested.

Source: More people might be arrested in Modutung mob justice killing

Read also:

Morweng calls for calm in Magogong after woman who was accused of witchcraft torched

Picture: The charred body of Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu and her house that was torched by enraged community members  

Published: October 22, 2024
By: Obakeng Maje – Taung DailyNews

22 October 2024- The North West MEC Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng calls for calm in Magogong village, near Taung. This follows an incident of murder, torching of property and looting of a tuckshop.

This was allegedly sparked by the disappearance of a girl, Rethabile Molapo (13), on 13 October 2024. It is reported that the community was enraged by the accusations of who could be responsible for the disappearance of Molapo.

“The charred lifeless body of Molapo was discovered in a toilet of an abandoned house in Modutung village. A woman, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu was accused of kidnapping and killing Molapo.

“Mothusieman-Legodu was burned and killed, and also her house was torched. I strongly condemn these criminal activities and calls for calm. I plead with the community to allow the police to do their work, apprehend the culprits of this dastardly act,” he said.

Morweng further said he humbly pleaded with the community of Magogong not to take the law into their own hands and urged police to ensure that they leave no stone unturned/ He added that they must get to the bottom of this horrendous incident.

“I also urge those with information to report to the police, so that the perpetrators are speedily brought to book. No arrest has been effected so far and the motive behind the murder remains unknown,” said Morweng.

 He said investigations are ongoing and police visibility at the area has been heightened to monitor the situation. Morweng sends his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

Source: Morweng calls for calm in Magogong after woman who was accused of witchcraft torched

Source map: The South African Story: Chapter 1 (https://www.sakan.org.za/Saf_map.html)

Killing children for rituals is rife in Ghana and Kenya, research shows

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Warning: The following post contains graphic contents which may upset readers

The main findings and conclusions of the research are summarized below. It is important to note that the research focused on identified or reported ritual killing cases. It is very likely that the actual number of murders for ritualistic purposes is significantly higher.

  • In Ghana, 160 ritual killings were identified between 2012 and 2021, including 94 children (58.8%). This represents a yearly average of at least 9 victims.
  • In Kenya, 102 ritual killings were reported in the 2012 – 2021 period which figure includes 66 children (64.7%) or a yearly average of 6-7 victims.
  • The arrest rates were extremely low in both countries.
  • Greed, money, was the main motivation of ritual killers in combination with superstition, notably in Ghana. In Kenya, many perpetrators caught murdered in fulfillment of their membership of devil worship or occult sects.
  • Besides the belief in juju, also illiteracy, poverty and a failing justice system were important factors explaining the murdering of children for ritualistic purposes.
  • The authors of the study present some recommendations to fight ritualistic killings.

    To download the study (38 pp.) please click here.
    (webmaster FVDK)

    Killing children for rituals is rife in Ghana and Kenya, research shows
File Photo: Getty Images (screenshot)

Published: September 23, 2024
By: Emmanuel Sarpong Owusu – Modern Ghana

This important study, titled “Ritual Child Homicides in Ghana and Kenya: A Criminological Analysis”, is published in Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence at:
https://doi.org/10.23860/dignity.2024.09.02.04.

Source: Killing Children for Rituals is Rife in Ghana and Kenya, Research Shows

‘Ritual killing by 16-year-old indicates moral and educational failures’ – Leo Igwe (Nigeria)

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WARNING: The following post and articles contain graphic contents which may upset readers (webmaster FVDK)

The horrifying murder of a 4-year old by a 16-year old teenager in Lagos, Nigeria, has been in the news all over the African continent and elsewhere. I won’t dwell on it right now. Below I will provide a few links to articles covering the heartbreaking news.

Leo Igwe is a renown human activists who has denounced witchcraft practices and ritual related violence including murders on many occasions and I have on more than occasion drawn attention to his commendable activities. See my October 25, 2021 post.

For now I will stop. This case makes me too sad to continue. Since the crime is so repulsive I have decided not to publish the photo which accompanies the article below in its original publication and which has been included in many articles covering the same news. The following screenshot of a tweet captures the main story.

Below the reaction of Dr. Leo Igwe.
(webmaster FVDK)

Ritual Killing By 16-Year-Old Indicates Moral and Educational Failures – By Leo Igwe

Dr. Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches.

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches warns the public to be vigilant at this time and to resist any temptation to indulge in money-making rituals, or to go in search of human body parts. It is a fact, as this case shows, that people attack and murder others for ritual purposes. It is a fact that people procure human body parts for rituals. It is a fact that people indulge in some money ritual sacrifice of human body parts. However, there is no evidence that these sacrifices yield money or wealth as popularly believed and often portrayed in movies such as Nollywood films or African magic.

Published: September 17, 2024
By: Leo Igwe – Opinion Nigeria

The attention of the Advocacy for Alleged Witches has been drawn to a horrifying case of ritual attack and murder in Lagos, Nigeria. This incident involves a 16-year-old teenager, Azeez Tajudeen, who lives in the Ijanikin area in Lagos. Tajudeen lured a 4-year-old child, named Ibrahim to a nearby primary school and murdered him. He stabbed and strangled the child to death. He removed the intestines, kidneys, and private organs. Tajudeen said that a man named Osho asked him to get him some human parts and promised to pay him fifty thousand naira(thirty dollars) for the service.

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches is outraged over the gruesome killing of this child and other instances of ritual attacks and bloodletting in the country. AfAW is aware of another case of ritual murder of a girl by the supposed boyfriend in another part of the country. These cases of ritual attack and killing are a clear demonstration of moral and educational failures. Skeptically oriented Nigerians must rise to the challenge of reorienting the public and promoting reason and scientific thinking.

At a time when Nigeria is going through an unprecedented economic crisis that has led to multidimensional poverty, stress and distress, despair, hunger, and uncertainties, one expects an increase in cases of ritual attacks. Many people are vulnerable; they could easily be lured to engage in ritual sacrifice and to explore purported ritual means of making money. More people are likely to embrace ritual money-making narratives or consult ritualists for some help. Ritualists and other self-acclaimed occultists will tell seekers of ritual money to go in search of human body parts.

As in this case, those who cannot get the human parts would commission others to do so on their behalf. Some people are inclined to accept such assignments and undertake to attack and murder others in the quest to make some income.

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches warns the public to be vigilant at this time and to resist any temptation to indulge in money-making rituals, or to go in search of human body parts. It is a fact, as this case shows, that people attack and murder others for ritual purposes. It is a fact that people procure human body parts for rituals. It is a fact that people indulge in some money ritual sacrifice of human body parts. However, there is no evidence that these sacrifices yield money or wealth as popularly believed and often portrayed in movies such as Nollywood films or African magic.

Ritual money or wealth is fiction and has no basis in reason, science or reality. As this case has illustrated, there is an urgent need to reeducate and reorient children and youths in the country. Superstition is destroying the moral fiber of the society. And it is the responsibility of this generation of Nigerians and Africans to end ritual attacks and sacrifice. Young people are often the victims and the perpetrators because they are socialized to believe that ritual money is real. Unfortunately, it is not. At home and in schools, children and youths are taught and told about the ritual processes of achieving success. They are made to think that ritual wealth is a fact. Hence, some youths are motivated to indulge in vicious attacks and murder other human beings, including their parents and relatives. Nigerian authorities need to encourage critical thinking in schools and society. They should get students to question and examine ritual money narratives and associated superstitions. Nigeria needs to execute an intense public education and enlightenment campaign and get the public to abandon ritual money beliefs and embrace critical thinking and science-based means of making money and acquiring wealth.

Source: Ritual Killing By 16-Year-Old Indicates Moral and Educational Failures -By Leo Igwe

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