Mob justice must not be tolerated

Editor, Refer to the story, “Six held over mob attack on family” (The New Times, January 12) There can never be any excuse for mob justice or for taking the law into one’s hands—that is pure criminality. The police spokesperson should have been even more categorical and leave no possibility of misinterpretation in this case. To state that “the claim that the family members practiced witchcraft that led to deaths of some people cannot be immediately substantiated” leaves us to think the police is not entirely ruling out that investigations might eventually support that possibility. We need to educate Rwandans to stop superstitious beliefs in “amahembe”, “ibitega” and other forms of witchcraft, whether supposedly for good or evil purposes. Yes, run-of-the-mill cases of poisoning exist. Witchcraft? Balderdash! And to form mobs to harm others on the basis of stupid rumours and claims of throwing evil sorts on others? In the 21st century? How will we ever join the ranks of developed countries if we still have people in our midst who continue to believe in these kinds of things and are prepared to lynch others on the basis of suspicion those others have bewitched others to death? Mwene Kalinda ***************** Mob justice in all circumstances is unlawful. Lawyers should help people know exactly about what to stick on as to the handling of witchcraft matters. It’s well known that it’s an issue that is not legally recognised as a substantiated matter; but people in Rwanda have been all along traditionally considering it as a real threat. And, as a matter of fact, those so called witch-doctors are found in possession of strange and scary objects, causing suspicion in people. Please Police; help us clarify what to do to avoid any further mob justice. Kageyo

Opinions

Mob justice must not be tolerated