More than 40 people accused of practicing witchcraft have been arrested by traditional leaders under the C-Court of the Azande Kingdom in Western Equatoria State.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday at the Royal Palace, Azande King Atoroba Peni Rikito Gbudue said the kingdom has intensified efforts to fight harmful practices linked to witchcraft, which he described as a threat to peace, security, and community wellbeing.
The King said many of those arrested are accused of using witchcraft to harm others, cause deaths, destroy property, and bring suffering and fear within communities.
“If you go to the C-Court, you will find many people arrested for practicing witchcraft,” he stated. “Some are accused of killing people, causing suffering, and bringing bad luck to families and communities. We do not want such practices in the kingdom.”
The king emphasized that the kingdom has established procedures to address witchcraft-related activities, adding that such practices go against cultural values and church teachings. He stressed that the kingdom wants communities to live in peace, freedom, and harmony without fear.
“We need to work seriously to eliminate witchcraft from society,” he said. “Some people have turned witchcraft into a business because they do not want to work or farm, but instead depend on free money and food.”
According to the King, some suspects are also accused of killing close relatives, including parents and children, in pursuit of wealth and personal gain.
Speaking on behalf of traditional leaders from different tribes within the kingdom, Sebit Angelo Obebe welcomed the crackdown, saying witchcraft practices have negatively affected many communities across the state.
“Our message to the people is to stop practicing witchcraft. Some use it for killing people, destroying businesses, harming animals, and causing suffering in families,” he stressed. “Any person found involved will be arrested.”
He added that the kingdom has established a detention and investigation center in Burezawa, Bazungua, for suspects linked to witchcraft-related cases.
For his part, Friday Anthony Kalisto, a youth leader, praised the kingdom’s actions, saying the move would help protect communities and save lives.
“Anyone involved in such practices should be reported,” he said. “Youth and community leaders must unite and fight against these harmful acts.”
Kalisto accused some suspects of targeting family members and causing deaths within communities, urging both the government and traditional authorities to work together to end the practice.
The King vowed that investigations would continue and warned that anyone arrested over witchcraft-related accusations would undergo investigations under traditional authorities.
Meanwhile, Alison Barnaba, Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement in Western Equatoria State, condemned criminal activities associated with witchcraft, including deception, extortion, and killings. Speaking on behalf of the state government, Barnaba said authorities support efforts aimed at restoring peace, law, and order across the state.
“Anybody involved in criminal activities, whether suspected or confirmed, we are against such acts. We support efforts to address these issues and restore peace in our communities,” he said. “Those deceiving people and collecting money from innocent citizens are criminals. They are cheaters and killers, and they must be brought to book.”
Minister Barnaba reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with community leaders and the Azande Kingdom to combat violence, criminality, and harmful practices associated with witchcraft accusations in Western Equatoria State.
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