Spirituality

50 accused 'sorcerers' die after being forced to ingest a mysterious liquid

By T.K. Randall
March 18, 2024 ·  18 comments

A selection of witchcraft items. Image Credit: CC BY-SA 3.0 Malcolm Lidbury The disturbing deaths, which occurred during the months of January and February of this year, happened in the central town of Camacupa in Angola where belief in witchcraft is particularly prevalent.

Because there are no laws governing how alleged witches or "sorcerers" are to be dealt with, local officials - and in particular traditional healers (or "marabouts") - are left to handle the issue in any way they see fit.

In this particular instance, moe than 50 people suspected of being sorcerers were administered a poisonous herbal drink to prove their innocence.

Perversely, those who died were then deemed to be guilty of witchcraft."More than 50 victims were forced to drink this mysterious liquid which, according to traditional healers, proves whether or not a person practices witchcraft," said local councillor Luzia Filemone.

"[We should try] to help rescue people who try to make a living from practices that are harmful to society, including witchcraft and drugs."

It is not clear if those responsible for administering the toxic drink have been held accountable.

"[Many people] resort to the practice of witchcraft because they believe that with witchcraft, they can get what they want and thus free themselves from poverty and get everything they need to survive," Bishop Firmino David told ACI Africa in an interview last year.

Source: CBS News | Comments (18)

Tags: Sorcerer, Angola