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Dr Christopher Mushohwe —
In its meeting on Monday 28th November, 2016, Cabinet reached a decision pronouncing the perennially reported rampant activities of “witch-hunters” widely known as “Tsikamutanda” as criminal, fraudulent and extortionist.
Cabinet noted with much regret and concern that a significant part of traditional leaders embracing chiefs, headmen and village heads are by commission or omission condoning this evil, primitive, extortionist and illegal practice that is condemned by our national laws.
Furthermore, the unscrupulous perpetrators and accomplices of witch hunting have misrepresented to communities claiming that they have been permitted by Government authorities to carry out the illegal activity.
Government wishes to reiterate that it does not condone witch-hunting and has not licensed anyone to carry out this hideous activity.
Consequently, Government is calling upon, firstly, all citizens who have fallen victim to witch hunting to forthwith report the evil practice to the police and law enforcement agencies with a view to bringing to book the perpetrators and seeking compensation. Secondly, the Minister of Rural Development, Promotion and Preservation of National Cultural Heritage, Honourable Abednico Ncube, has been directed to, working closely with law enforcement agencies and traditional leaders, ensure that the repugnant extortionist practice of witch hunting is immediately brought to an end countrywide.
Dr Christopher Mushowe is the Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services and Government Spokesperson. He issued this statement on November 29, 2016.
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