7 elders burnt to death on suspicions of witchcraft

 At least seven elderly persons have been burnt to death on accusations of engaging in witchcraft in Kigoma Region.

Kigoma Regional Police Commander Jafari Mohammed has confirmed the tragic incident saying it occurred on Tuesday in the village of Murufiti, in Kasulu District.

Speaking to reporters in the region, the RPC also confirmed that the lynch was committed by youth from the village.

He said armed with traditional weapons the youth went house to house in search of their suspects until they found all of them.

 “At least 18 houses belonging to the deceased were completely burnt to ashes,” the RPC reported.

“They attacked and beat the suspects to death before they set their bodies and the houses on fire,” he detailed.

RPC Mohammed also revealed that police are already holding 13 people, including Village Chairman Everist Ruhaya in connection with the grisly murder.

Mohammed said police will not rest until the other fugitives are brought to justice, including one Faustino Ruchagula who police say is a witchdoctor and suspect he fueled the attack. 

 Many people at Murufuti village have abandoned their homes for fear of either being killed on witchcraft beliefs or being arrested by police.

On his part, Murufiti Village Executive Officer Ogeni Gaspar said he reported