Swakpmund
Coastal residents are reeling in disbelief following the discovery in Swakopmund of an assembly point for suspected Satanists, or those who practice the mysterious and dark arts of sorcery.
On Monday – about a kilometre from Nonidas – truck drivers who usually load construction sand from the riverbed, discovered a green basin filled with pieces of cloth in political party colours and bearing the image of a prominent politician. A N$100 note smeared with a smelly unknown concoction was also found at the scene.
The area, which was most probably still in use on Monday morning, was discovered several metres from the B2 main road, and sparked fears and rumours of possible witchcraft and Satanist rituals that have possibly gone unnoticed for many months.
It is believed the area was used early on Monday morning, as fresh tyre marks and several footprints were found at the scene, suggesting to observers that something unusual took place at the scene.
The practice of witchcraft and Satanism is not uncommon in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, as allegations of devil worship have been on the increase, leaving many to question whether practices of such or any other forms of occult beliefs do indeed exist in the local community, and most importantly, how they manifest themselves.
According to Sergeant Iileni Shapumba, witchcraft practices – especially in the Erongo Region – are of great concern as some of the activities take place in residential areas.
“We saw the area and took all items left there. It’s a mystery. We don’t know what went down there, but it is certainly not something good, and it has left the whole community jittery,” he said.
According to Shapumba, local residents are nervous about these mysterious activities. “Not all are in favour of witchcraft and Satanism. We even visited churches in Swakopmund yesterday to discuss the increasing activities of fake pastors, witchdoctors, traditional healers and those harassing residents in public to attend their churches,” he said.
He added that they have on numerous occasions asked traditional healers to conduct their activities in such a way that they do not infringe on the rights of others.
“Look, in this instance you dip money in whatever mixture and you leave it out in the open, while you know money is State property and is a source of exchange from one person to another. Innocent people will get hurt if you leave your magic things scattered all over.
“No one should be exposed to witchcraft and such activities should also not take place in public spaces,” he cautioned. He said all the materials were removed from the riverbed and will be destroyed by the police.
He appealed to residents who have any knowledge of the so-called cleansing ritual in the riverbed to contact the police at Walvis Bay.