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This was one of those blogs which was creepy even when I typed every word. Either people believe or not, they have opinions about the subject. Evil or just part of human nature? I really don’t give a flying fart. If you have no idea what this is all about click here to read the original post

Poverty, ignorance, isolation, deep-rooted traditional beliefs and rebellion against authority under apartheid form the background, said Prof. Thias Kgatla, a University of the North theology professor studying the issue. On such fertile ground, a natural disaster or sudden death is easily blamed on sorcery, and a mob mentality takes over. Charges often result from family feuds, political rivalries or jealousy of a person who seemingly finds inexplicable wealth amid poverty.

The world had something to say on this subject and I took it upon myself to highlight the comments which I thought were very interesting. So this entire blog is dedicated to the comments which I think you will find equally, if not more, interesting. From Zambia, Gambia, Germany, Portland Maine, Liberia, Sweden, Nigeria, Kampala, England, Iraq, Ireland, Japan, and Zimbabwe there was more to said about the subject.

Sekhethi Lebogo, 85, said he was accused of being a witch by his wife's lover, beaten by a mob and chased away. Helen Makwiya's mother was accused of witchcraft by the son of a rival wife. A crowd poured gasoline on family members and set them alight, she said. Her mother, sister and aunt died. But at least there is harmony in the village. "We feel for each other because we've got the same problem," Makwiya said.



Here are some of the worldwide opinions/comments on the subject:

#1.
You do not need to believe that witchcraft exists, every African for all I know has had an encounter with these vices so to speak. Real witches or wizards do not hide that they are such! The only sad part is they cause a lot of fear in people of its secrecy.
Noel Sichivula, Lusaka, Zambia

#2.
Witchcraft is a true thing in my society. A witch is simply an evil person aiming to destroy other people's lives spiritually. Witchcraft should not be recognised in any form as it is not good within the society.
Yero Sam, Bansang, The Gambia

#3
Witchcraft exists worldwide in all societies and cultures. There are two kinds: white and black witchcrafts. White is when it is used for good purposes and black is the reverse. It should be left up to every government and its citizens to decide what type suits them the most.
Thomas Doharty, Hamburg, Germany

#4.
I have to laugh when someone asks me whether I believe in witchcraft. It's like asking whether I believe in atoms or x-rays or that the Earth is round. I am a Wiccan that practices magic for personal growth and knowledge so that I may better the world around me. Magic is indeed real, and those who say otherwise just haven't studied magic or been around the right people. There is no such thing as "the supernatural", nothing is above nature.
Richard Brownbear, Wilkes, U.S.A.

#5.
I have seen the powers of witchcraft at a local African Tribal Art Museum, and there is not a doubt in my mind that it exists. I see no problem with it being recognised because I know that it is real.
Starr Kelly, Portland Maine, USA

#6.
Witchcraft is a barbaric art and it should be abolished by all democratic nations. As a man of God I do not see it necessary to even practice witchcraft in modern society or even primitive society.
Mohammed Konneh, Monrovia, Liberia

#7.
Witchcraft in all its form is the practice of what can hardly be interpreted naturally, not because the mystic is too tough to unravel, but because it has such secrecy which a few understand. I do believe in it, but at the same time hold strongly that there is a force above it, that is, The Cosmic (god).
Epizitone Anabi, Gothenburg, Sweden


#8.
Witchcraft is like a religion. So many people believe in it. I would not say bad things about the entire practice because there are good sides and bad sides of it. Witchcraft has the same value any other religion has.
Stanley Ian Hawk, Nigeria

#9.
Witch craft exists, just like God. Whether you believe in it or not does not change its existence. If you were born in Africa especially, you most probably have seen it growing up.
Rosie, Kampala

#10.
Witchcraft has been there for as long as we have existed, even in the old times people practiced it. It is only now that more people have their eyes open and are using it in so many a way that is has brought most of our countries development down. They use it at work, to be promoted even to win some benefits and to blind fold the co-worker. Yes witchcraft does exist, but where there are good angels, you will find bad ones too.
Kobe, USA

#11.
I believe that witchcraft is not of God whether used for good or evil. A cousin of mine cast spells on her brothers and sisters when she was 9 years old, and the spell is still working up on today.
Olayinka Olorntuyi, London, England

#12.
When some witches in my community were known to be the cause of less-infrastructural development in my village, they were all rounded up and killed in the market-square. Even the Bible detests witchcraft practise. Read Leviticus 20:27.
Bob Eshikena, Asaba, Nigeria

#13.
Even God in the bible Exodus 22:18 said "Thou shall not suffer a witch to live¿. In my community if you are caught, you are given the jungle justice, which is death
Jacob Ekele, Kogi, Nigeria

#14.
Witchcraft is an optional part of the Pagan religion and is just as valid as Christianity (or any religion for that matter). The ultimate divine power may be set but the journey to reach it is not. A true Witch (if you use the traditional meaning) uses their power for good. Those so-called spells are the same as any prayer, just a little more elaborate because we use the power of the earth and our own energy. I am a witch, and I am proud.
Christine, Hampshire

#15.
Witchcraft existence is real, but their existence is a direct opposition to God-Almighty which every right-thinking human being should condemn. So for the Zimbabwean government to come out openly to support it is to call for judgement of the Almighty God. They should be ware.
Victor O. Egbuta, Abuja-Nigeria


#16.
All people who have practised witchcraft will burn in Hell as indicated by the Bible. They may be able to do some wonders and magic but the raging fires of hell are ready for them.
Apenisa, Baghdad, Iraq

#17.
Witchcraft should be banned along with all references to the darker side including Charmed, Buffy and Angel. The supernatural? Are we teaching our children that evil is acceptable?
Faith, London, UK

#18.
For witchcraft to exist (essentially magic), you need to be able to understand it, and if it does not make sense to the uneducated, they call it magic. You could say the same for physics, but the key difference is that it is repeatable, witchcraft is not.
Jeff, Limerick, Ireland

#19.
In Africa it is believed that the dead are not living but they exist. I in particular am confused between magical practices and witchcraft. Are the two synonymous or the same depending on the context? Why is it that in the west it is Magic and in Africa witchcraft?
Njungbwen Olando, Bamenda Cameroon

#20.
Yes I am a 'witch' or 'wizard' but only in the true original meaning.
Michael Okai, London

#21.
First of all the word 'witch' has its origin in the word 'wise' and the word craft has its origin meaning 'art' or 'skilful'. So if you are saying should a wise and skilful art be practiced in Africa, my motherland before European influence, then yes. 'Witch craft' is our spiritual science that is very powerful for the African people which has been suppressed because of Europeans' fear of it. It allowed us to communicate with the forces of nature and our ancestors. It should be recognised but the stigma has to be removed from our minds that is just a negative practice. We can no longer identify with our natural spirituality. I accept that it can also be used negatively but a majority of the time it was for positive means, for instance (birth, crops to grow, to make it rain, to heal a relationship). Witchcraft is a natural part of my life, I call on my ancestors for guidance, respect of nature, protection for my children etc. Yes I am a 'witch' or 'wizard' but only in the true original meaning.
Michael Okai, London

#22.
Witchcraft exists and only affects those who believe in it. If you believe God exists then while not believe witchcraft or an evil power also exists. In my village, most people have stopped thinking about witchcraft and that is how our lives have improved.
Raphael E, Kumamoto, Japan (Ugandan)


#23.
It is folly for any government anywhere in the world to legislate for or against beliefs - and witchcraft is one such.
Mduduzi Mathuthu, Cardiff, Zimbabwean

#24.
Yes I believe in witchcraft, because I have seen it at work.
Promise Hanson, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

#25.
Someone who says witchcraft is a propaganda or does not exist is digging his/her own grave. The proliferation of traditional witch doctors is just to tell us what a witch or wizard can do. The law court cannot prove it, hence our governments should not recognize it. They are bloody witches and wizards in Africa ready to destroy anything good for the society.
Eric Mbumbouh, Bamenda, Cameroon

#26.
To me witchcraft sounds like fairy tales although so many people in this part of Africa believe in it. I don't believe it does exist.
Stella Omubo-Pepple, Nigeria

#27.
Witchcraft is evil and against the Almighty Creator, God. All those indulging in it should stop it in the interest of their life and hereafter.
A.I. Babatunde, Akure, Nigeria

#28.
What is the difference in believing in witchcraft and faith?
Bruno, Belgium/Kenya


#29.
We are caught between, one, the reality that witchcraft exists and secondly the almost impossible task of proving the same in a court of law
Pacharo Kayira, Malawi/Sweden

#30.
In Malawi, traditional leaders have been advocating for years for the legal recognition of witchcraft. Presently accusing someone of witchcraft or presiding over a witchcraft cleansing ceremony is a criminal offence. I think we are caught between two issues here. One, the reality that witchcraft exists and secondly the almost impossible task of proving the same in a court of law. This is made even worse by the fact that most traditional medicine men who claim to have supernatural powers are conmen. As such their evidence in court would be utterly unhelpful. I can predict mayhem in Zimbabwean courts. As for Malawi, I don't foresee any changes in the law soon.
Pacharo Kayira, Malawian studying in Lund, Sweden

#31.
No. Fun as it would be, there's no evidence for the existence of real-life magic. I don't know whether you wait for countries to grow out of such craziness or try to help them along, but such delusion can't be healthy.
Andrew, Stratford-upon-Avon, UK

#32.
Witchcraft has been part of the black population since we existed, it was under control previously because blacks back then acknowledged that it was happening. Before we had izinyanga and izangoma who knew how to deal with this but since we have taken the western culture and believe that we can solve any problem with some pills from the pharmacy witchcraft is increasing in an alarming rate. No one is born with abilities to harm others, inorder to be a with you have to have the knowledge of herbs and so on. Most witches started out as izinyanga or izangoma and when they failed on this path they convert to the other.
NtandoN, South Africa

Whatever your opinion, this is happening and what I know for sure is that you need to know exactly where you stand with your faith to avoid trauma from these types of situations. There are more questions than answers in this topic. The creator is the answer to everything and if you truly believe, you will see the mercy and kindness of the creator in your life. Knowing that there are criminals and defending yourself are two different things. The next thing....you will be voting one of these guys as a President. You might have already done it ...how would you know if in fact you did?



By The TV Observer

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