Witch beliefs in Tanzania

by Feòrag

Tanzania: A 72-year-old woman is in a critical condition in hospital after a 15cm nail was hammered into her skull by attackers who believed she was a witch. The nail is buried deep in her head and although she has regained consciousness after three days, doctors are pessimistic about her chances of survival.

Killings of elderly people, particularly women, due witchcraft beliefs is rife in Lake Victoria regions of Shinyanga and Mwanza despite efforts being made by the government to stop this practice.

Most of the victims are being killed because their eyes are reddish. This is seen as a sign that they are witches.

However, studies conducted in the areas indicate that the cause of such 'red eyes' is smoke from fuelwood used for cooking.

Head of Shinyanga woman pierced with six-inch nail—The Guardian (Tanzania), 18th April 2003.

Tags: Tanzania, violence against women, witchcraft