Michael Magoronga, Midlands Correspondent
THE Government does not condone witch-hunting practices that have become rampant in Silobela and chiefs should not be found facilitating such operations in their areas of jurisdiction, an official has said.
In an interview, Midlands Provincial Administrator Mr Abiot Maronge said witch-hunting is illegal according to the country’s laws and as such, it should not be practised anywhere.
Self-proclaimed traditional healers commonly referred to as tsikamutandas have been wrecking havoc in Silobela where they are reportedly fleecing villagers of livestock and money after performing rituals. Some chiefs are reportedly working in cahoots with the self-styled prophets where they are helping force march their subjects to the ritual venues. Mr Maronge said chiefs should in fact protect the villagers from the criminals.
“Witch-hunting is a criminal act and we cannot have a traditional leader spearheading a criminal act. I cannot confirm whether there are chiefs who are involved in the actions, but what is important is that the law should be abided by and the chiefs are the custodians of the law,” said Mr Maronge.
He said chiefs and village heads should help flush out the extortionists. He said Government is concerned by the conduct of the tsikamutandas and is ready to go all out to protect the villagers from being fleeced.
“The law says it’s not allowed but they keep cropping up from time to time. And our duty is to protect the potential victims of these people and we must go out of our way to solve the problem. We have engaged various stakeholders and as we speak, we are on the ground,” he said.
Silobela chief, Chief Malisa, said the area had been under siege from the tsikamutandas but was quick to say they had taken strides in driving them out.