Govt warns chiefs over witch-hunts

Midlands Correspondent
Government does not condone witch-hunting practices that have become rampant in Silobela and chiefs should not allow such practices within their areas, Midlands Provincial Administrator Mr Abiot Maronge has said.

In an interview, Mr Maronge said witch-hunting was illegal according to the country’s laws and should not be practised anywhere. Tsikamutandas have become rampant in Silobela where they are reportedly fleecing villagers of livestock and money after performing rituals.

Some chiefs are reportedly working in cahoots with the self-styled prophets by forcing their subjects to attend the rituals. Mr Maronge said chiefs should in fact protect the villagers from the criminals.

“Witch-hunting is a criminal act and we cannot have a traditional leader spearheading a criminal act,” he said. “I cannot confirm whether there are chiefs who are involved in the actions, but what is important is that they should abide by the law because they are the custodians.”

Mr Maronge said chiefs and village heads should not abuse the law, adding that they should be assisting in flushing out the extortionists.

He said Government was very concerned with the actions by the tsikamutandas and is ready to go all out to protect villagers from being fleeced.

“The law says it’s not allowed, but they keep cropping up from time to time,” said Mr Maronge. “And our duty is to protect the potential victims of these people and we must all go out of our way to try and solve the problem.

“We have engaged various stakeholders and as we speak, we are on the ground.” Silobela paramount chief Chief Malisa said the area had been under siege from the tsikamutandas, but was quick to point out that they have been driving them out. “These people have given us a torrid time, but the situation is now under control as we are almost managing to contain the situation with the help of the police,” said Chief Malisa.

The tsikamutandas have wreaked havoc in most parts of Silobela like Msilahobe, Gobo, Ruya and Wozoli where they are conducting exorcisms on villagers and demanding payment in the form of livestock or cash. Under-aged girls have also reportedly fallen prey to the tsikamutandas as they are lured with money by the self-styled prophets.