Witchcraft Violence and the Law in South Africa
Edited by John Hund
(Protea Book House)
When we think of witchcraft violence — the persecution or killing of people who are allegedly witches — we might think only of the European Middle Ages or 17th-century Puritan America. Yet we live in a world and society where beliefs in witchcraft are still prevalent; more people than we think believe in the powers of witches to heal — and to harm.
Unisa law professor John Hund has edited a collection of essays that try to bring witchcraft-related violence in South Africa (particularly within Limpopo province) into legal, sociological and anthropological perspective.
Such violence poses a number of problems for us today. On the one hand it raises the spectre of mob violence and the weakening of due process; on the other, it shows how little the law on its own can do unless due concern is shown for African culture and spiritual beliefs.
What the authors point out most admirably is that witchcraft in South Africa is a highly complex reality that is often overlooked or oversimplified by those brought up in Western, secular culture.
There is a whole religious worldview that needs to be carefully and sensitively examined. African spiritual beliefs are highly sophisticated; most “witchdoctors” are traditional healers who look to preserving indigenous culture and beliefs, and care for the physical and spiritual needs of people.
Some, however, use their skills for malevolent ends — and even commit muti murders to get body parts.
Violent popular reaction — witch killing — is also complicated by the fact that, at times, underlying social problems generate hysteria. Political rivalries may be played out under the guise of witchcraft discourse.
The authors try to be even-handed in their dealing with the subject — as well they should. The law, after all, has no right to legislate for or against any person’s religion. Yet at the same time it cannot tolerate criminality, even if it is based on deep convictions.