Teh One Who Knocks
05-14-2013, 11:16 AM
By Ashley Davis - Opposing Views
In Swaziland, witches are forbidden to fly their broomsticks higher than 150 meters, and if they do, they are subject to arrest and a fine of R500 000 ($55,000 USD).
Though it seems like a joke, witchcraft in the African country is taken seriously.
Civil Aviation Authority marketing and corporate affairs director Sabelo Dlamini forbid witches from flying high in the skies. He announced it in response to a question from the press about the arrest of Hunter Shongwe, who operated a remote-controlled drone with a video camera. He was using the drone to conduct a private investigation.
Witch doctors in the country pay an annual tax of $1.15, but last year, members of Swazi parliament argued that it should be raised to help the country's debt.
An effort to reduce the spread of HIV by circumcising men in the country failed mainly because citizens believe witches might use the skin for dark purposes.
"Criminals are known to seek 'strengthening' potions made with human body parts. Killings associated with 'ritual murder' routinely correspond with national elections. Victims, usually children or older people, are found with body parts missing."
During a trial for a Mambane man's murder of his aunt, he used his family's belief in witchcraft as a defense. He said he saw a black robe in her house and had to kill her because she was a witch.
In Swaziland, witches are forbidden to fly their broomsticks higher than 150 meters, and if they do, they are subject to arrest and a fine of R500 000 ($55,000 USD).
Though it seems like a joke, witchcraft in the African country is taken seriously.
Civil Aviation Authority marketing and corporate affairs director Sabelo Dlamini forbid witches from flying high in the skies. He announced it in response to a question from the press about the arrest of Hunter Shongwe, who operated a remote-controlled drone with a video camera. He was using the drone to conduct a private investigation.
Witch doctors in the country pay an annual tax of $1.15, but last year, members of Swazi parliament argued that it should be raised to help the country's debt.
An effort to reduce the spread of HIV by circumcising men in the country failed mainly because citizens believe witches might use the skin for dark purposes.
"Criminals are known to seek 'strengthening' potions made with human body parts. Killings associated with 'ritual murder' routinely correspond with national elections. Victims, usually children or older people, are found with body parts missing."
During a trial for a Mambane man's murder of his aunt, he used his family's belief in witchcraft as a defense. He said he saw a black robe in her house and had to kill her because she was a witch.