Govt urged to revisit Sorcery Act

NORTHERN-END Asst Comm (ACP) Peter Guinness is concerned with the rising incidents of sorcery-related violence and killings in the province.
“Sorcery-related mob attacks, accusations, tortures and killings must stop,” he said.
“Respect the law and justice system.
“Let us conduct fair investigations and let the law take its course,” he added.
ACP Guinness was commenting on another sorcery mob attack – the second in 26 days – in Kamkumung’s Martha Block in Lae on Wednesday.
On Jan 11, another similar attack occurred in the neighbouring Peter Block.
ACP Guinness urged the Government to revisit the Sorcery Act 1971 that was repealed in 2013.
“Wisdom is sorely needed to enact and re-implement a Sorcery Act,” he said, adding that there had been too many sorcery-related violence that had caused too much injury and loss of lives.
ACP Guinness said the Government through the Justice Department and Attorney-General must come clear with a Sorcery Act because many sorcery victims had suffered severe tortures and survived, while others were killed in mob attacks.
“The new Act must give clear directives on how police and courts can enforce the procedures in investigating sorcery-witchcraft allegations, court reporting, prosecutions and penalties to enhance justice systems.
“The roles and responsibilities of churches and non-government organisations must be recognised as crucial in conducting counselling services and providing safe house for sorcery-related victims,” he added.
ACP Guinness said the delay to implement an amended Sorcery Act had resulted in an increase in mob attacks by accusers taking the law into their own hands.
“Accusers are using street justice under the pretext of mob attack to torture and kill at will.
“It is senseless, barbaric and against the law.
“In a mob attack, it also derails police investigations to arrest suspects involved in the torture and killing of alleged sorcerers,” he said, adding that in the process, three parties involved are the accusers, soothsayers (glassman) and the alleged sorcerers.
ACP Guinness said people turn a blind eye on laws enshrined both in the Constitution and the Holy Bible – a country that proclaims itself as a Christian nation.
“It is becoming a social issue everywhere in rural areas nationwide and it is occurring right under our nose in civilised towns and cities.
“We are not going anywhere (in resolving this problem).
“We are going around the same circle doing the same thing and expect different results,” he added.