Mtumbuka asks chiefs to resolve witchcraft wrangles

Bishop Martin Mtumbuka of the Karonga Diocese of the Catholic Church has asked traditional leaders to spearhead the fight against violence targeted at people suspected of practising witchcraft.

Mtumbuka, in his speech on the sidelines of holy mass held at the Cathedral last Sunday, said since witchcraft borders on traditional and cultural beliefs; it is only prudent that chiefs lead in resolving conflicts arising from the same.

The bishop noted that Karonga continues to register increased cases of mob justice and violence targeted at people suspected to be witches or wizards, with others culminating in loss of lives.

He expressed concern that just from May 2015; the district has recorded nine deaths, including one of a nine month-old baby, all bordering on witchcraft.

“The most worrying thing is that claims it is the immobilised elderly persons and children that tend to fall victim to witchcraft-related violence,” he explained.

Mtumbuka told the media that land wrangles have become a new threat to the socioeconomic development of the country.

“These two cases require a decisive action from chiefs because they both border on cultures and traditions. Hence, we appeal to our traditional leaders to lead in the fight against this vice. The church alone cannot resolve wrangles bordering witchcraft and ownership of land,” he said. n