Witch-hunting: A Human Rights Perspective in South Africa and Zimbabwe

This article underscored the human rights implications of witch-hunts in selected areas of South Africa and Zimbabwe. The thorny issue at the focus of this article is that, despite good harvests, technological developments and other economic progress worldwide, witch-killings are still a serious problem. The article argued that, in cases where people suspect foul play or do not understand what transpires in life, cultural and modern ordeals are resorted to in order to identify a 'witch.' These witch-hunts result in gross human rights violations. A synthesis of qualitative data collection methods and legal research methods were used to collect data. Participants in Zimbabwe and South Africa were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. The study employed a human-rights based approach. The study revealed that self-styled witch-finders' practices are unethical, unlawful and a direct gross human rights violation. The study showed that the accusers often stand to gain in some way and exploit the vulnerability of those they accuse. The study recommended that peace officers and the judicial system should take stern measures to ensure that an urgent and holistic approach is adopted.