CNDH condemns violence based on rumours

Maputo, 30 Apr (AIM) – Mozambique’s National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) has condemned violence based on belief that mysterious sorcerers are stealing or shrinking men’s penises.

The rumour has spread across much of northern and central Mozambique, and has become lethal as lynch mobs are formed to hunt down the alleged “witches”. The panic has caused the death of at least 19 people so far.

The rumours, reminiscent of medieval European witch-hunts, appear to have reached Mozambique from Tanzania. The first Mozambican cases were reported in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, and subsequently spread to Zambezia, Nampula and Sofala.

In a statement, the CNDH warns that fear, misinformation and the absence of coordinated responses may worsen violence and weaken social cohesion and the rule of law.

“No belief, superstition or popular accusation can justify acts of violence against any citizen”, declared the CNDH. “We strongly condemn lynchings, physical assaults and acts of mob justice. We call on the police and the courts to investigate and hold the perpetrators to account”.

The CNDH also calls on the government to strengthen a coordinated institutional response across different sectors, including the media, community leaders, health authorities and police, with urgent actions for public clarification and violence prevention.

“The CNDH calls for calm, rejection of violence and mob justice, and urges that any suspicions be reported to the competent authorities”, reads the note.

The government has already set up a commission to assess the situation, claiming that “there is no scientific evidence for these superstitions.”
(AIM)
Ad/pf (259)