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| National |
| 47 children confess to practising witchcraft |
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by
Oris Chimenya, 24 September 2003
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19:42:53
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About 47 children from Maone area in Blantyre are reported to be practising witchcraft with the guidance of a man (name withheld) within their neighbourhood.
Angered by the news, the children’s parents complained to neighbourhood watch authorities in the area, who called for a meeting Sunday for all the people, including children, in the area.
In her opening address, secretary for Maone neighbourhood watch Mrs Simango said the meeting was called for all residents to hear the children’s claim and discuss way forward.
A 10-year-old girl (name withheld) told the meeting the man takes them to a graveyard where he gives them either cooked or roasted human meat to eat on the spot.
Another child, aged five, said the man, accompanied by his wife, first spits on the meat before he serves it on them.
The children claimed he placed some charms in their bellies to prevent them from revealing what goes on.
One of the parents in an interview said her three-year-old child claims to be among the group and that one day she told her (mother) she would die.
“She told me that I am going to die but she will not complain about my death because I am useless,” she said.
Before the 10-year-old child concluded her address, five armed police officers in a police vehicle stormed the area and ordered the man and the neighbourhood authorities to accompany them to police.
The man complied but the neighbourhood people refused to do so. They drove off amid jeers from the residents.
One resident said the man’s brother had asked police to intervene and rescue his brother.
“Although the police have taken the culprit away, we shall not stop there. Taking him is not a lasting solution to the witchcraft problem in this area,” said the resident.
In an interview at his home on Tuesday, the accused man threatened this reporter not to publish the story if he wants all to be well with him.
“You saw for yourself what happened on Sunday. The police came and ordered that we should go to the station. Did I refuse? Why did those people remain behind?
“If you write this story, I will teach you a lesson and that will be your end. I am waiting for that newspaper and I am buying your paper daily.”
Reports from Maone say that on Monday, some residents threatened to demolish the family’s house and evict the family from the area.
Police spokesperson George Chikowi said he had not heard anything but would investigate the matter with Limbe Police.
Limbe Police station officer Chirambo refused to comment on the matter. |
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