SORCERY related incidents are increasing not only in Honiara but around the country.
Allegations and claims of sorcery or witchcraft practices against individuals have often stirred up violence within most communities not only in Honiara but also in the provinces.
The latest of such sorcery related incidents occurred over the weekend with the burning down of a family home at Lunga, East Honiara, after it was alleged that the owner of the house was practicing sorcery or witchcraft.
This was after relatives of a girl who pointed out the man as practicing witchcraft or had cast a spell on her.
More of similar reports had also taken place in many other communities in the national capital, and also in provinces.
In many Malaitan communities, people have sought compensation or retaliation just because members of their families are either accused of practicing sorcery or fallen victims to sorceries acts.
“My mother was accused of practicing sorcery and we had various Melanesian brothers and priests come to our house to prove this.
“When they said there was nothing we demanded compensation from the other family, those that accused our mother, it is normal,” a man who wished not to be named said.
Others have said that because of sorcery being linked to supernatural powers, people find it hard to provide evidences in order to accuse or prove that someone is practicing sorcery. That is why many do not report such matters to Police.
“It’s the same every time, anytime. Whenever people go to the Police and accuse someone of sorcery, they are turned back and told to bring some sort of evidence to prove their accusations.
“It is only when people retaliate and break the laws of the land, that’s when Police intervenes.
“Whereas if nothing of such occurs, then the matter is laid to rest,” another who claimed to have been victimized by sorcery or witchcraft said.
Some of the sorcery or witchcrafts people are accused of practicing include; A’arua, Pela, Vele, Black magic, green leaf and so forth.
“People believe in these things and so it becomes true to them. Now when someone falls ill and claims it to be sorcery and points out a particular person, his relatives retaliate and then commits illegal acts.
“What I know of sorcery is that if someone is helping heal someone who had been spoiled (casts a spell upon) or witchcraft, we would not identify those who practiced or spoilt that particular person or family.
“We would just heal them and be on with it. The most important thing is healing and not accusing as it will also land us (healers) in trouble,” Alfred, who claimed to be a healer of sorcery said.
He said that as a healer, accusing people of witchcraft is wrong as in the eyes of the law; one would have to have evidence to back up his claims.
“We can accuse someone of practicing witchcraft but if do not have evidence to back it up, then it would be all a waste-we end up creating conflicts among ourselves and those involved,” he added.
Police had previously told this paper that claims of sorcery would not be investigated unless evidences are provided leading to a particular person charged.
By JEREMY INIFIRI
