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

Posted on October 26, 2024 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

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

Zimbabwe: Masvingo student kidnaps neighbour’s 10-year-old son to sell his head for rituals

Posted on October 20, 2024 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

Masvingo is the capital of Masvingo Province and located in southeastern Zimbabwe. A gruesome crime was averted, it could have cost an innocent 10-year-old boy his life.

Happily the boy escaped unharmed but the warning is clear: be vigilant. Moreover, there is an obvious need to educate people, especially young people, not to be believe in money rituals. It is sad that four years after the Tapiwa Makore case which shocked the entire nation still people believe that one can get rich quick by performing ritualistic acts including murder.
(FVDK).

Screenshot from post on X (formerly Twitter) by @MasvingoMedia

Masvingo student kidnaps neighbour’s 10-year-old son to sell his head for rituals

Published: October 19, 2024
By: Chris Matambanadzo – iHarare, Zimbabwe

In a disturbing event that underscores the need for parents to be cautious about whom they trust with their children, an 18-year-old student from Masvingo disappeared with his 10-year-old neighbour for three days.

The 18-year-old who is a Form 4 student at Vision Academy in Masvingo confessed that he had kidnapped his neighbour’s 10-year-old son to take him to Chipinge. He alleges that he had clients in Chipinge who were eagerly waiting to use the 10-year-old boy, only identified as Tawana for money rituals.

The 18-year-old, identified as Peter, admitted during a police interrogation that he had planned to take the boy, named Tawana, to clients in Chipinge who had requested the child’s head for a ritual.

“Pandakatora mwana uyu vanga vanditi tsvaga musoro uuye nawo,” Peter says before Tawana’s grandmother wails uncontrollably in the background.

A Mother’s Despair and Warnings Ignored

Tawana’s mother, who is recording the video, angrily asks Peter if he really took her son intending to have him sacrificed for money rituals.

“Saka waida kuenda kunochekeresa mwana wangu here iwe? Nhaiwe Peter iwe? Waida kunochekeresa mwana? Ndozvawaida kunoita nhaiwe Peter? Waida kunochekeresa Tawana? hausvodi nhaiwe? Akakutadzirei? Takakutadzirei isu? Hezvo! Zvaunoshura!,” Tawana’s mother asks in shock and disbelief.

Tawana’s mother also reprimanded her son for ignoring previous warnings about befriending someone Peter’s age.

“Tawana hanty ukunzwa shamwari yako iyi? Yawaigara uchipiwa warning kuti usatamba ne dhara iro. Chiona zvaraida kuita dhara rako raida kunokuurayisa iri,” she adds before the video abruptly ends.

Watch: Masvingo Teen Confesses to Sinister Plot

Attempts to reach Masvingo Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa for comment were unsuccessful at the time of writing. You can watch the Form 4 student from Masvingo confessing to kidnapping his neighbour’s son for ritual purposes below:

An 18 year old form 4 student at Vision Academy in Msv confessing that he disapeared with a 10 yr old neighbour for 3 days intending to go with him to Chipinge were his clients were waiting for the minor’ head for ritual purposes. pic.twitter.com/avQpNbchjx

— Media Centre Masvingo (@MasvingoMedia) October 19, 2024

Source: Form 4 Masvingo Student Kidnaps Neighbour’s 10-Year-Old Son to Sell His Head for Rituals

Nigeria: ‘Ritual killings, human parts business have taken over Igala Land’ (Kogi State)

Posted on October 13, 2024 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

Ritual murders are not a recent phenomenon in Kogi State, Nigeria. See my previous posts (using the dropdown menu – under ‘African countries’ – in the heading of this site will give access to all posts on Nigeria).

Austin Okai, a former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, House of Representatives candidate for Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency of Kogi State, has spoken urging law enforcement agencies and traditional rulers in Igala land to address the rising tide of ritual killings and human trafficking in the area. Recently a spike in ritual killings has been reported, creating an alarming situation in particular in Dekina LGA (local government area) of the state.

Some information on Kogi State where it all happens..

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

Kogi State is an inland state. With a surface area of 29,833 km2 it ranks 13th (out of 36 states – excluding the Federal Territory of Abuja where the seat of the federal government is located). In 2023 its populations was estimated ar some 5 million people, resulting in a 25th place in states by population.

Kogi State’s population consists of various ethnic groups, including the Igala, Ebira, Gbagyi, and subgroups of the Nupe in the state’s center; the Igala (most dominant in the east), Agate, Basa-Komo and Idiom in the east, and various Yoruba subgroups in the west and central part of the state. (source: Wikipedia).

It is interesting to note that Austin Okai openly linked the so-called ‘Yahoo Yahoo Boys’ to the criminal acts of ritual murders and trade in human parts.
‘Yahoo Yahoo boys’ refers to Nigerians engaged in internet fraud.
(webmaster FVDK).

Ritual Killings, Human Parts Business Have Taken Over Igala Land – Okai Says

Published: October 12, 2024
By: Samuel – Tori news, Nigeria

Recent reports indicate a rise in cases of ritual killings in the area, with dead bodies exhumed from burial grounds and women brutally murdered and their body parts removed for sinister purposes.

On Saturday, Austin Okai, a former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, House of Representatives candidate for Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency of Kogi State, urged law enforcement agencies and traditional rulers in Igala land to address the rising tide of ritual killings and human trafficking in the area.

Recent reports indicate a rise in cases of ritual killings in the area, with dead bodies exhumed from burial grounds and women brutally murdered and their body parts removed for sinister purposes.

Okai said the alarming situation, which is particularly prevalent in Dekina LGA of the state, raises urgent concerns about the safety and security of Igala communities.

In a statement he signed, Okai said the emergence of human parts trading has become a horrifying reality in Kogi East, with the notorious activities of ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ boys— individuals engaged in internet fraud — escalating into something far more sinister.

He said: “What was once viewed as a mere criminal enterprise has morphed into a grave threat to life and dignity, as these individuals increasingly resort to ritualistic practices to enhance their illicit gains.

“The abominable acts now dominating Igala land demand immediate attention and action from all stakeholders.

“It is imperative to recognize that the government holds the enforcement power necessary to address this crisis. Law enforcement agencies must be mobilized to investigate these heinous crimes, apprehend the perpetrators, and restore a sense of safety within our communities.

“The government must prioritize the establishment of a robust security framework that not only deters these criminal activities but also fosters trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

“However, government action alone is insufficient. Parents and guardians must awaken to the reality that the allure of quick wealth is leading many young people down a perilous path.

“The romanticization of internet fraud and the pursuit of easy money have dire consequences, as they draw our youth into a world where human life is devalued.

“It is crucial for families to engage in open conversations about the dangers of such lifestyles, promoting values of hard work, integrity, and respect for human life.”

Okai said community leaders, traditional rulers and religious institutions also have a vital role to play in combating the menace.

He said they must come together to condemn these practices and educate the public about the dangers of ritual killings and human trafficking, and provide support for victims and their families.

Okai added: “Creating awareness about the psychological and social impacts of these crimes can help foster a community that stands united against such atrocities.

“The time for action is now. We must not allow fear to paralyze us or silence our voices. It is our collective responsibility to protect our communities and ensure that the sanctity of life is upheld. By working together—government, families, community leaders, and citizens—we can combat the rising tide of ritual killings and human trafficking in Igala land.

“Let us reclaim our communities from the clutches of these abominable acts and foster a safer, more secure environment for all. The future of our children and the integrity of our land depend on it.”

Source: Ritual Killings, Human Parts Business Have Taken Over Igala Land – Okay Says

Alnother Nigeria newspaper, Gist Mania, reported the same news, with an identical text:

Former Kogi PDP Candidate Calls For Urgent Action Against Ritual Killings & Human Trafficking

Published: October 12, 2024
By: Mister Jay Wonder – Gist Mania, Nigeria

Austin Okai, a former candidate for the House of Representatives from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State, has called on law enforcement agencies and traditional leaders in Igala land to tackle the alarming rise in ritual killings and human trafficking in the region.

Speaking on Saturday, Okai highlighted the disturbing trend of ritual murders, citing recent reports of exhumed bodies and the brutal killing of women for their body parts. He expressed grave concerns for the safety and security of communities within Dekina Local Government Area, where these incidents are particularly prevalent.

In a statement he released, Okai described the emergence of a grisly trade in human parts as a horrifying reality in Kogi East. He noted that the notorious activities of individuals involved in internet fraud, popularly known as “Yahoo Yahoo boys,” have escalated into something far more sinister.

“What was once considered a mere criminal enterprise has evolved into a serious threat to life and dignity, as these individuals are increasingly engaging in ritualistic practices to boost their illicit profits,” Okai said. He urged immediate action from all stakeholders, emphasizing that the government has the power to combat this crisis.

He called for law enforcement to investigate these heinous crimes, apprehend those responsible, and restore safety to the communities. Okai stressed that a robust security framework is essential for deterring criminal activities while fostering trust between law enforcement and the public.

However, he warned that government action alone is not enough. Parents and guardians must recognize the dangers of the allure of quick wealth, which he said is leading many young people into perilous lifestyles. “The romanticization of internet fraud and the pursuit of easy money can have dire consequences, devaluing human life,” he cautioned.

Okai also urged community leaders, traditional rulers, and religious institutions to unite against these practices. He emphasized the importance of condemning ritual killings and human trafficking, educating the public about their dangers, and providing support for victims and their families.

“The time for action is now,” Okai stated. “We cannot allow fear to silence us. It is our collective responsibility to protect our communities and uphold the sanctity of life. By working together—government, families, community leaders, and citizens—we can combat the rising tide of ritual killings and human trafficking in Igala land.”

Okai concluded by calling for a unified effort to reclaim communities from these atrocities and to create a safer environment for future generations. “The future of our children and the integrity of our land depend on it.”

Source: Former Kogi PDP Candidate Calls For Urgent Action Against Ritual Killings & Human Trafficking

Reports of cannibalism by Burkina Faso soldiers after deadly jihadist attack

Posted on October 6, 2024 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

Warning: This post contains graphic contents and a description of ritualistic acts

Three Sahel countries: Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, are among the poorest in the world – and the most dangerous and unstable. The central governments in the three West African countries lack authority and military power to enforce the law. Separatists, jihadists, terrorist and smugglers act in a political and military vacuum.

All three countries have suffered from military coups in recent years: Burkina Faso in January and September 2022, Mali in 2012, 2020 and 2021, and Niger in 2023 (not to mention the alleged and real coup attempts). Criticized and condemned by neighboring countries and regional organizations such as ECOWAS, the new military leaders have severed relations with France, the former colonial power, the United States and the United Nations (notably the MINUSMA peacekeeping force in Mali!) which provided valuable but insufficient military support and protection. Instead the Russian-backed Wagner group was invited, renamed Africa Corps after the death of its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin.

On August 24 this year one of the worst jihadist attacks took place in the north of Burkina Faso. Militants of JNIM attacked the village of Barsalogho and slaughtered hundreds of villagers including women and children. Barsalogho is located about 145 km north of the capital Ouagadougou (3 hours drive!) and 45 km north of the strategically important town of Kaya. It is being estimated that the number of civilians killed in Barsalogho on August 24 may be as high as 600 – more than double the initial estimate – making it one of the worst atrocities in recent years in Africa.

In the aftermath of the massacre and the rising criticism which was directed to the national army – since it failed to provide adequate protection to the innocent citizens – accusations of cannibalism by Burkina Faso soldiers emerged, allegedly supported by videos on social media showing soldiers from the Rapid Intervention Battalion 15 (BIR-15) eating parts of dead jihadists.

Screenshot taken from video included in the CNN article

It is not the first time that soldiers, fighters, rebels are accused of or actually involved in acts of cannibalism. On the African continent e.g. the cases of cannibalism during Liberia’s back-to-back civil wars (1989-2003) are well documented. See my October 20, 2022 post. Also outside the African continent these practices occur: victors celebrating their victory, humiliating their victims, intimidating and scaring their enemies while some believe that the cannibalistic act gives them extra, supernatural power (China, J apan, Syria, Iraq, Europe).
(webmaster FVDK)

Accusations of cannibalism by Burkina Faso soldiers

Published: October 4, 2024
By: Saskya Vandoorne, Nick Paton Walsh and Gianluca Mezzofiore – CNN

Warning of the publisher: This story contains a graphic image and descriptions of violence.

CNN — Up to 600 people were shot dead in a matter of hours by al Qaeda-linked militants in an August attack on a town in Burkina Faso, according to a French government security assessment that nearly doubles the death toll cited in earlier reports. The new figure would make the assault, in which civilians were shot dead as they dug trenches to defend the remote town of Barsalogho, one of the deadliest single attacks in Africa in recent decades.

Militants from Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al Qaeda affiliate based in Mali and active in Burkina Faso, opened fire methodically as they swept into the outskirts of Barsalogho on motorcycles and shot down villagers, who lay helpless in the freshly upturned dirt of the trench, according to several videos of the August 24 attack posted by pro-JNIM accounts on social media. Many of the dead were women and children, and the footage is punctuated by the sound of automatic gunfire and screams of victims as they are shot while apparently trying to play dead.

(…..)

Criticism of the army, voiced by relatives of the dead and survivors from Barsalogho, who maintain the military fled the assault, has been amplified by recent accusations of cannibalism by Burkina Faso soldiers, the report adds. It cites videos posted publicly on social media that appear to show soldiers from the Rapid Intervention Battalion 15 (BIR-15) eating parts of dead jihadists.

The report adds: “The general staff of the Burkina Faso armies published a press release on July 24, 2024, in which it ‘condemns these macabre acts’ and ‘reassures that measures will be taken to formally identify the origin of these images as well as their authors.’” It assesses the incident as another sign of discipline in the army deteriorating since the coup two years ago that put Traore in power and led to the French departure.

CNN has reviewed videos of the alleged cannibalism that seem to show Burkina Faso soldiers dismembering and holding up body parts of apparent dead jihadists.

(Italics added by the webmaster FVDK.)

(……)

Source: Massacre in Burkina Faso left 600 dead, double previous estimates, according to French security assessment

More on the deadly attack in Barsalogho and its aftermath:

A very detailed report including an analysis:

WARNING: This report contains references to killings and graphic violence that some readers might find distressig.
Barsalogho Massacre: How Defensive Trenches Became a Mass Grave
Published: September 4, 2024
By: Youri van der Weide – Bellingcat

and:

Burkina Faso: Militant attack leaves dozens dead in Barsalogho, Sanmatenga Province, Aug. 24
Published: August 26, 2024
By: Crisis 24

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

Posted on October 4, 2024 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

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

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

Ghana: illegal miners sacrifice newly-born babies for rituals to get gold

Posted on October 2, 2024 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

Warning: The following post contains graphic contents which may upset readers (webmaster FVDK)

‘Galamsey’ refers to illegal small-scale gold mining in Ghana, also known as illegal artisanal small-scale mining (ASM). The miners are called galamseyers. Working conditions are hard. Miners do not use sophisticated equipment, much of the work in open pits and tunnels is done by hand. It is being estimated that there are 20,000 – 50,000 galamseyers (much is unknown about them). Galamsey is widespread in Ghana with a concentration in the Western Region. Reportedly, there are 11 galamsey hotspot districts .

The following is an astonishing story about galamseyers using babies for ritual purposes in search for gold. In an interview one galamseyer claimed that illegal miners buy babies from hospital employees for ritualistic purposes at Galamsey sites. The readers are warned that the following contains graphic details of horrific acts.
(FVDK)

***Illegal miners use babies for ritual purposes in search of gold***

‘Angel Morning Show’, September 29, 2024.

Ghana: illegal miners sacrifice newly-born babies for rituals to get gold

Published: September 29, 2024
By: Ghana Web

A retired galamseyer has revealed how illegal miners sacrifice newly born human babies in mining pits as ritual to enable them locate gold and other mineral resources in the soil.

Read the article originally published by Ghanaweb on Agst 12, 2023 below:

Screenshot. To watch the 45-mintes video including the interview with a galamseyer, please click here

Source: Inside details of how illegal miners sacrifice newly-born babies for rituals to get gold

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

Posted on September 18, 2024 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

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.

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

Ritual Killing By 16-Year-Old Indicates Moral and Educational Failures
By Leo Igwe – Modern Ghana; September 17, 2024

Tragedy in Lagos: 16-Year-Old Arrested for Harmful Incident Involving Neighbor
By: Medium, Nigeria; September 17, 2024

Uganda: The grim badge of human sacrifice – Details of the Annual Crime Report 2023

Posted on September 17, 2024 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

In February of the current year the Ugandan police launched the Annual Crime Report for 2023.

I was triggered and started searching the internet for the Crime Report after reading a recent article in the Monitor, an Ugandan online newspaper, entitled: The grim badge of human sacrifice. Unfortunately, the access to the article is restricted to subscribers (click here).

Readers interested in the article’s full contents may register and thus obtain access. The article’s beginning is quite revealing and stimulated my interest:

“The discovery of huge number of human skulls in shrines across the country shows how widespread the use of body parts is in ritualistic practices.

The police 2023 crime report show that ritual killings nearly doubled from 46 cases in 2021 to 84 cases in 2023, and increased at around 17 per cent …”

Published: February 21, 2024
By: Mpalangi Ssentongo, Depuy Photo Editor – New Vision, Uganda

The article contains a large number of photos but unfortunately hardly any relevant information.

Source: PICTURES: Police launches 2023 annual crime report

I was triggered by the scarce information on crimes for ritualistic purposes in the above cited articles and started searching on the internet.

Luckily, my search was rewarded!

On the website of the Ugandan Police Force I traced an article, published February 23, 2024 Annual Crime Report 2023 containing the full contents of the report.

The Inspector general of the Uganda Police Force, J.M. Okoth-Ochola (Esq), stated in his introductory remarks:

“It is my pleasure to present the Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report for 2023 so as to account to the population on how the Uganda Police Force is fulfilling its mandate as stipulated under Article 212 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda.

In 2023, we note that there was a 1.5% decrease in the number of crimes reported to Police from 231,653 cases reported in 2022 to 228,074 cases. I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to those who were able to lodge their complaints at various stations of the Uganda Police Force in the year 2023. It is these reported complaints that enable us compile Annual Crime Reports.

Relatedly, the force has focused on strengthening discipline and adherence to human rights by introducing disciplinary courts in all districts across the country. The introduction of disciplinary courts marks a significant milestone for the Uganda Police Force. These courts aim at enforcing discipline within the force, ensuring that officers adhere to professional standards and human rights. For instance, out of 933 complaints of human rights violations by the police, 794 were thoroughly investigated.”

It is a very interesting report. I will focus here on the crimes with ritualistic motives. Readers interested in other issues are advised to consult the report.

The population of Uganda by mid-2023 was estimated at 45,562,000 people. The reported number of homicides between 2019 and 2023 varied between 4,718 cases in 2019, 3,912 in 2021 and 4,248 in 2023 (Table 6, p.33).

Table 16 on p.47 gives us more details:

Here I single out two crime categories: murder by mob action (number 2) and ritual murders (number 10).

Paragraph 1.3.4.2 provides more details with respect to murders by mob action (Table 19, p.49). Unfortunately, no details are provided with respect to ritualistic crimes. On p.117 mention is made of ‘Disturbing the peace of the dead’ which may refer to a kind of criminal activities related to witchcraft and ritualistic practices but the report does not provide further details. Appendix I: Crimes by crime analysis, however, gives us some insight in ritualistic murders and the number of persons taken to court (p.130).

So we notice that in 1.8% of the reported cases of mob action witchcraft triggered the action: 18 out of 1,039 cases. Interestingly, more men than women were killed in such ‘jungle justice’ actions: 11 respectively 5. However, it cannot be ruled out that the category ‘Any other’ (Number 6) which represents more than 20% of all reported cases – and took the lives of 228 persons – also includes actions triggered by accusations of witchcraft.

We have seen above (Table 16) that the number of reported murders for ritualistic purposes in the 2021 – 2023 period were 46 (2021), 72 (2022) and 84 (in 2023) which means it nearly doubled between 2021 and 2023.

Appendix I shows that only 11 cases out of the 84 reported cases in 2023 led to the trial of the suspected ritual killers. In all, 18 accused stood trial: 14 men and 4 women. All trials were pending in court at the time of publication of the 2023 crime report.

The Ugandan authorities are to be commended for publishing such a detailed report providing insight in the motives and background of crimes committed in the country. As fas as ritualistic murders are concerned more research and analysis is needed to get a full picture of these outdated and horrific crimes which have no place in a modern society.

Uganda: The grim badge of human sacrifice

Monitor, Uganda – Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Nigeria: Delta court sentences man to death for killing twins for rituals

Posted on August 31, 2024 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

Warning: The following articles may upset readers because of the graphic contents (webmaster FVDK).

The surge in murders for ritualistic purposes and related witchcraft activities in certain SSA countries has led to an increasing cry for the restoration of the death penalty for convicted ritual killers. In recent years, several African countries have resorted to the (sometimes) re-introduction of capital punishment in an attempt to stop these criminal and outdated traditional practices. In Nigeria a number of states have adopted legislation allowing the sentencing to death of convicted ritual murderers which does not always mean that they are actually executed.

National and international organizations like Amnesty International emphasize that the death penalty breaches human rights including the right to life and the right to live free from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Both rights are protected under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the UN in 1948. Nigeria is a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Please note: the link which leads to the Punch article reproduced below also mentions three other cases of ritualistic killings (‘money rituals’) in Nigeria: two in Anambra State (including a suspected case of ritual killing) and one in Ogun State. Though a coincidence it illustrates well that ‘money rituals’ are rampant in Africa’s most populated country.
(webmaster FVDK)

Nigeria: Delta court sentences man to death for killing twins for rituals

Published: July 16, 2024
By: Matthew Ochei – Punch, Nigeria

A High Court sitting at Asaba, the Delta State capital, has sentenced one Onuwa Ijie to death, and Nwanozie Uzor to 14 years imprisonment for murder and conspiracy to commit the murder of twin boys, Chidalu and Chigozie Agwunobi.

The court presided over by Justice Onome Marshal-Umukoro sentenced two convicts over the murder of the seven-year-old boys.

The prosecution conducted by a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Justice, Mrs Paula Akpoguma, in proof of the case called five witnesses.

The court held that the testimony of the five witnesses proved the case against the two defendants beyond reasonable doubt.

The prosecution stated that tragedy struck the family of Olise Agwunobi of Oko-Ogbele Community on March 5, 2020, when their seven-year-old twin boys were lured by the defendants to a bush and they proceeded to cut off their penis, eyes, tongues and hands which they hurriedly took to a native doctor at Aguleri in Anambra State.

“One of the defendants had earlier gone to the school of the twin children to take them but was turned down by the school teacher, one Mrs Emelda Ezekwude,” she said.

Delivering his judgment, Justice Marshal-Umukoro stated that after carefully evaluating the evidence presented before him, the prosecution had discharged the burden of proof as the first defendant from his confessional statement was the person who sowed the seed of committing human rituals in the mind of the second defendant by giving the phone number of one Chukwudi Edemuzor who was alleged to be searching for twins to kill for money.

The court maintained that the law is settled that the testimony of an investigating police officer was not hearsay evidence, and the court can rely on it.

Speaking with journalists after the judgment on Tuesday, the prosecuting counsel, Akpoguma thanked the court for upholding the cause of justice, “reaffirming that the judicial system works.”

Source: Delta court sentences man to death for killing twins for rituals

Tanzania: Police crackdown on rising ritual killings in Singida Region

Posted on August 28, 2024 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

It’s unclear whether the rising numbers of missing persons, abductions and suspected and confirmed cases of ritualistic killings are related to internal Tanzanian politics. However, what is clear is that there is is increasing level of insecurity in certain parts of this East African country notably in the Singida region whereas the role played by certain witchdoctors seems undeniable.

The Tanzanian police arrested seven people. Will this stop the abductions and killings? It all depends on the follow-up of these arrests – and may be more to come? – that is to say it all depends on the authorities to show seriousness and perseverance to restore security and the rule of law in the country thereby restoring confidence in their government of local residents.
(webmaster FVDK)

Tanzania: Police crackdown on rising ritual killings in Singida