Suspected Witches' Houses Torched By Villagers

Lilongwe (Malawi):
Irate residents of Area 25 Township in Lilongwe torched two houses belonging to Emily Hunga and Mai Nasimango who they accused of teaching witchcraft to 16 children.
The reaction followed a revelation by one of the children, Yobu Msampha, who spilled the beans after allegedly feeling uncomfortable with Hunga’s demand that Yobu should kill his two uncles and an aunt through witchcraft before Christmas this year.
Yobu’s targeted uncles were identified as Crispine and Joseph Msampha while the aunt is Pilirani Tsukuluza (nee Msampha). Tsukuluza said the revelation followed her sickness, which involved throbbing pain in the ear and the whole body.
“I had been in agonising pain for three weeks. When my sickness reached the climax on Thursday and Friday, I started praying and while doing so, Yobu narrated his ordeal,” said Tsukuluza.
She said Yobu asked for God’s forgiveness for killing his mother and grandfather who died in mysterious circumstances after short illnesses.
“Since Yobu’s revelations, I am feeling better now. I am only feeling weak,” she said.
Yobu said he will intensify prayers to discourage the witches and wizards from picking and involving him in witchcraft activities any more.
Police Public Relations Officer Kelvin Maigwa confirmed that eight people have been arrested and were currently in custody for leading the mob in setting the houses on fire.
Eight culprits who will answer the charges of arson are Crispine Msampha, 27, Robert Bande, 32, Saidi Kassimu, 15, Felix Mashambozga, 28, Mphatso Namahiya, 20, Billy Thole, 25, John Masaso, 19 and Joster Makombe, 22.
Sept 24, 2005
Lucas Bottoman, The Nation, Malawi (Africa)