NamRights calls for crackdown on witchcraft accusations

Human rights outfit NamRights has called on Namibia’s criminal justice system to take decisive action against the growing practice of accusing vulnerable individuals of witchcraft, warning that such allegations often lead to violence and even death.

In a media release issued recently, NamRights executive director Phil ya Nangoloh said law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and the judiciary must “resolutely combat” witchcraft imputation to safeguard fundamental human rights.

He stressed that such accusations undermine rights guaranteed under Chapter 3 of the Namibian Constitution, including the rights to life, liberty, dignity, equality and a fair trial.

Incident sparks renewed concern

The statement follows a report by Namibian Sun and a widely circulated video involving Apostle Shaundre Solomon Shoombe, who allegedly accused 73-year-old Tuyenikelao Kamhulu of being a witch during a church service at Okaandje in the Oshana Region.

Ya Nangoloh described the incident as part of a disturbing pattern in which predominantly women, children and other socially vulnerable individuals are labelled as witches and, in extreme cases, brutally attacked or killed.

“This barbaric practice has become commonplace, particularly within some so-called charismatic churches,” he said.

He urged Kamhulu and her family to open criminal cases against Shoombe, including charges of imputing witchcraft, incitement, conspiracy to commit a crime and reckless endangerment. Civil legal action may also be pursued, he added.

Calls for stronger enforcement

Witchcraft accusations are illegal in Namibia under the Witchcraft Suppression Proclamation, which prohibits identifying or accusing another person as a witch.

Despite the law, cases of witchcraft-related accusations and violence continue to surface in parts of the country. Ya Nangoloh warned that such accusations are often used to target elderly women and marginalised individuals, exposing them to social exclusion, assault or even murder.

He said failure by authorities to act decisively risks normalising a practice that violates basic human rights and endangers lives.

“The criminal justice system must act with urgency to eradicate this practice,” Ya Nangoloh said.