Around 50 people in Angola have tragically lost their lives after being compelled to consume an herbal potion to demonstrate their innocence of sorcery, as disclosed by authorities and local representatives on Thursday.
The incidents unfolded between January and February near Camacupa, a central town, as reported by Luzia Filemone, a local councilor.
Confirmation from the police corroborates the death toll of 50.
In an interview with Angola National Radio, Filemone pointed fingers at traditional healers for administering the fatal concoction.
“Over 50 individuals were coerced into drinking this enigmatic substance, purported by traditional healers to ascertain one’s involvement in witchcraft,” she remarked.
Despite opposition from the predominantly Catholic church in this former Portuguese colony, belief in witchcraft remains prevalent in certain rural Angolan communities.
Antonio Hossi, a provincial police spokesperson, cautioned that incidents of this nature were escalating. “It’s a common practice to subject individuals to the alleged poison due to the belief in witchcraft,” he warned.
With no specific legislation against witchcraft in Angola, communities handle such matters autonomously.
Accusations of sorcery are often resolved by traditional healers, known as “marabouts,” who administer a toxic herbal concoction called “Mbulungo,” with death widely considered as proof of guilt.
In a previous statement to ACI Africa, Bishop Firmino David of Sumbe Diocese highlighted socio-economic difficulties in Angola, leading some to turn to witchcraft in pursuit of alleviating poverty and securing necessities for survival.
Firmino urged Angolans to intervene and assist those engaging in harmful practices detrimental to society, including witchcraft and substance abuse.
During a visit to Angola in 2009, Pope Benedict urged Catholics to reject witchcraft and sorcery.
