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Mob Justice and the Dark Side of African Culture
The Brutal Attack of a Senior in Iikango Accused of Practicing Witchcraft Highlights the Ugly Reality of Superstition and Violence
In a shocking incident that highlights the dangers of mob justice and the deep-seated fear of witchcraft in African communities, a 67-year-old woman was brutally attacked and chased by villagers in Onethindi, Iikango, Namibia, on Friday, 21 June 2024. The elderly woman, who runs a local shop selling traditional beer, known as a “cuca shop,” was accused of poisoning her customers.
According to reports by The Namibian, the villagers not only attacked the woman but also burned some of her belongings that were taken from her shop. The authorities responded quickly to the incident and took the victim to Onandjokwe State Hospital for treatment.
Concerning the event, eight villagers have been arrested, but the primary suspect in the attack is still at large.
This vicious attack brings to light the unsettling practice of “mob justice,” which is still common in many African communities and involves the extrajudicial and violent punishment of those who are accused. Many African tribes have a deep-seated fear of witchcraft, and charges of it frequently result in violent retaliation. Sadly, superstition and ignorance frequently feed this dread, which has disastrous results for helpless people like this 67-year-old lady.
Some locals argue that people who practice witchcraft terrorise them with no police intervention or investigation, which compels them to take matters into their own hands. They claim that the authorities often ignore their pleas for help, leaving them to face the perceived threat alone. This sentiment of neglect and fear further fuels the cycle of violence and retribution.
Similar incidents of mob justice have been reported across Africa. In South Africa, a man in Soweto was beaten to death by a mob in 2019 after being accused of stealing a television set. In Nigeria, a young boy in Lagos was lynched by a crowd in 2020 for allegedly attempting to steal a mobile phone. These examples underscore the pervasive and dangerous nature of mob justice on the continent.
Regardless of the perceived crimes against the community and the desire to take matters into their own hands, this behavior is unacceptable in Namibia and should never be tolerated. The Namibian government must take swift action to bring those responsible for this heinous attack to justice and provide support to the victim. Additionally, efforts must be made to educate communities about the dangers of mob justice and promote a culture of tolerance and understanding. It is imperative that we stand against such acts of violence and brutality and work towards creating a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
By Julia Alfeus & Dalina Hamutenja
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