broomcloset ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Witchcraze - is it over? They say the Burning Times never really happened. I agree that they did not happen to the extent that some claim - the figure of "9 Million people in 500 years" has been found to be excessive. The figure has been more accurately estimated to be around 60,000. But that is still 60,000 people killed. They also say the Burning Times are over. Witchcraft Killings Increasing (Tanania) In September 1999, the Shinyanga Regional police in the north, reported that 256 old women were murdered - over suspicions that they were Witches. Efforts to curb the situation have been in vain, as officials say that it is 'difficult to produce evidence against the killers'. The Mwanza region, also in the north, faces similar incidences. Tabora in the west reports than more than 500, mostly women, were killed in various Witchcraft incidents during the last 4 years. A study undertaken by Research on Poverty Alleviation (REPOA), finds that nationwide 1,233 were killed in 1997 over Witchcraft beliefs. Of these, 90% were old women who were suspected of being Witches. Shinyanga, accounts for 32% of all such murders. The primary suspects are old women who live alone in their huts, who are identified by their 'red eyes' - which result from smoky fires. The suspect is usually a grandmother, who may have seen her grandchildren die - often from lack of nutrition. A Witch doctor identifies the old woman as the cause of death, and hires an assassin with the agreement of the family. The price of several cattle is paid by the family after the 'contract' has been carried out. Superstition and lack of education are blamed for the high incidence of Witchcraft killings in rural areas. What do you think of that? Think it's over now? -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||||||