Conference aims to get locals’ views

A MEETING in Laigam, Enga, to seek views from the community about a sorcery accusation-related violence (Sarv) survivor, is expected to ensure her safety before she returns, Wabag Catholic diocese Sarv coordinator says.
“We will be organising a case conference about 65-year-old Neaewan Kui on Oct 7 at Aiyak village,” Dickson Tanda told The National yesterday.
“She was tortured early last month, sustained burns on her buttocks and had deep wounds and received treatment at the Yampu Catholic health centre.
“She has recovered and is now living with our catechist at Laiagam.
“The case conference is to collect views of perpetrators and community leaders about accepting the survivor, at the same time, we make awareness on Sarv.
“That’s the first step, if they agree, then we will involve the law enforcers who can issue and interim protection order as well as other orders on which community leaders and perpetrators sign.”
Dickson said Sarv, unlike other violence cases, involved community against one person, and, therefore, it was important to get the community to agree.
He said survivors chose not to proceed with getting the perpetrators arrested and charged to prevent violence from escalating.
“A youth who was drinking for three consecutive days collapsed on Aug 4,” he said.
“Stories went around and Kui’s name was mentioned as one to have eaten his heart through sanguma (sorcery) practice.
“In retaliation, some youths entered her house in the early hours, dragged her out and set fire on her then took her to the river and forced her to cross with fresh burns.
“She was beaten and tortured all of Thursday until the catechist brought her into his home on Friday.”
Kui was then rescued by Tanda.