IN a harrowing revelation, at least 50 individuals have lost their lives in Angola after being coerced into consuming an herbal potion to demonstrate their innocence of witchcraft. The appalling incident unfolded between January and February near the central town of Camacupa, casting a dark shadow over the community.
Luzia Filemone, a representative of a local council, disclosed this grim reality in a statement made on Thursday. Speaking to Angola National Radio, Filemone placed the blame squarely on traditional healers, accusing them of administering the lethal concoction under the pretext of uncovering individuals practicing 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,’ Filemone asserted, shedding light on the barbaric practices that persist in certain pockets of Angolan society.
Despite being a former Portuguese colony with a predominant Catholic Christian population, belief in witchcraft remains deeply entrenched in Angola. This tragic episode serves as a stark reminder of the enduring influence of superstitions and traditional beliefs, even in the face of modernization and religious adherence.
The deaths of these individuals highlight not only the immediate human tragedy but also the urgent need for education and awareness campaigns to dispel myths surrounding sorcery and witchcraft. Authorities must take decisive action to hold accountable those responsible for perpetrating such heinous acts and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
As Angola grapples with the aftermath of this horrific ordeal, there is a collective call for greater vigilance and advocacy to safeguard the rights and well-being of all citizens. The international community stands in solidarity with the people of Angola as they confront this grave violation of human dignity and seek justice for the victims and their families.