50 people accused of witchcraft died after being forced to consume a herbal potion to determine whether or not they were practicing rites considered occult in Angola.
“More than 50 victims were forced to drink this mysterious liquid which, according to traditional advisors, proves whether or not the person is practicing witchcraft,“ Luzia Filemone, a local elected official in the central municipality of Camacupa, said.
The law in Angola does not formally punish “witchcraft”.
But in practice, “wise men” acting as advisors in certain communities are consulted to determine whether or not a person is a “sorcerer”.
Once consulted, the sages have the suspect ingest a herbal drink called “mbulungo”. If the person succumbs after drinking the liquid, it is then proven that he or she is practicing witchcraft, explained provincial police spokesman António Hossi.
Bishop Firmino David of Sumbe Diocese in Angola encouraged his fellow Angolans “to help rescue people who try to make a living from practices that are harmful to society, including witchcraft and drugs.”