Rise in sorcery offences concern police

 By SHEILA MALKEN

POLICE have charged a man in Northern with sorcery, saying the offence is on the rise in the province.

Amos Bidana, 60, of Gevoiya village, in the Afore local level government, was charged with one count of sorcery following the death of a man on Sept 21. His relatives had lodged a complaint  with police.

Provincial police commander, Chief Insp Jacob Singura said police had sufficient evidence to charge him.

“He will appear for mention in court this week,” Singura said.

“Sorcery-related deaths have increased in the province and I appeal to people to respect one another.”

Singura said the Afore LLG and Tamata LLG, in Sohe district, had a high number of sorcery-related deaths. “My police officers and I will go in person to Tamata LLG and do awareness on sorcery and general law and order problems,” Singura said.

He said people should be educated about changes in the law and penalties.