Violence hurting PNG, says Basil

 PAPUA New Guinea is attracting bad publicity around the world over its lack of interest in protecting vulnerable persons who are being killed, tortured, maimed or buried alive on accusations of being sorcerers, deputy opposition leader Sam Basil says.

 He says over the last 10 years, there have been widespread concerns raised all over the country where purported sorcerers, particularly vulnerable, elderly or poor women, have been victimised. 

“According to studies and publications by Melanesian Institute and the National Research Institute, there has been case of concern especially in Chimbu and Eastern Highlands but this has spread to urban centers with migrant populations,” Basil said in a statement.

“The killing of suspected sorcerers sometimes happens in front of law-enforcing officers such as police, village court magistrates, peace officers and community leaders in the villages. 

“Even when police investigate, community leaders and village court officials do not provide names of offenders or details of where the bodies are disposed off, for medical examination in fear of retribution by the community.”

 Basil said the issue of sorcery and particularly the “payback” killing of purported or suspected sorcerers had been widespread all over PNG. 

“Despite sorcery being accepted within the customary beliefs of certain ethnic or customary groups, it has transcended to persons from other provinces or ethnic groups, which are not bound nor accept the customs and beliefs of particular clan, tribe of ethnic group in PNG,” he said.

“For example, say if people of Chimbu and Eastern Highlands believe in sanguma, why do people of Morobe or other provinces get onto the bandwagon and also accept that belief when it is not part of their customs or beliefs?

“It’s getting out of hand.