By MOZTIMES
Pemba (MOZTIMES) - A mob lynched a public servant in central Mozambique following accusations linked to superstitious rumors about alleged “penis theft.”
Similar claims have already left at least 11 people dead in the northern and central provinces. The latest incident occurred in Zambezia Province, marking a geographic expansion of the phenomenon from the north to the central region of the country.
The victim, named as Elvino Correia Sarmento, was a staff member of Quelimane Municipal Council and was accused by local residents of using witchcraft to make male genital organs disappear or shrink — allegations which, despite their evident absurdity, have triggered panic and mob violence.
In a statement, the Quelimane Municipal Council condemned the killing, describing it as an act of extreme violence, and called for calm while urging the public to reject misinformation and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
The wave of killings was first reported in April in Cabo Delgado Province, where rumors circulated widely that physical contact, such as a handshake or a touch on the shoulder, could cause male genital organs to vanish.
Initial cases emerged in Mocímboa da Praia and rapidly spread to other districts, including Ancuabe, Chiúre and Metuge, as well as the provincial capital, Pemba. In several cases, individuals accused of involvement were attacked, tortured and, in some instances, killed by mobs.
According to provincial police commander Assane Nyito, five people were killed in Cabo Delgado alone — one in Mocímboa da Praia, two in Ancuabe, one in Chiúre and one in Metuge — while at least 25 suspects have been detained in connection with the violence.
Recent reports indicate that the violence is not confined to the north. In addition to Cabo Delgado, similar incidents have been recorded in Zambézia, bringing the total number of fatalities linked to the rumor-driven attacks to at least 11. (MT)
