International Shia News Agency

Seven witchcraft suspects burned to death in Tanzania

SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association)

Seven people accused of witchcraft have been burned alive in Tanzania, police said Friday, adding they have arrested 23 people in connection with the crimes.

“They were attacked and burnt to death by a mob of villagers who accused them of engaging in witchcraft,” the police chief for the western Kigoma region which borders Burundi, Jafari Mohamed, told reporters.

“Five of those killed were aged over 60, while the other two were aged over 40,” he added. Among those arrested on suspicion of carrying out the killings was the local traditional healer, or witch doctor.

The attack in the village of Murufiti took place on Monday but reports only emerged after police announced the arrest of the suspects.

“We are holding 23 people including local leaders in connection with the attack,” Mohamed said. “They will appear in court to face murder charges. “Belief in witches and black magic remains strong in many parts of Tanzania.

A local rights group, the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), has estimated as many as 500 “witches” are lynched every year, based on reports that counted some 3,000 people killed between 2005 and 2011. Many of those killed were elderly women, the centre said.

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