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Muti Medicine (by Mark Griffin, Sasoun Keshish and Eric Perrella)

Muti medicine is a system of African holistic healthcare that involves the use of human body parts and vital organs to produce medicine. The word “Muti” derives from the Zulu word for medicine. Certain beliefs state that this medicine can increase the luck and health of a person who consumes it. Muti medicine is prepared by traditional healers known as Sangomas, who resort to barbaric means in acquiring their medical specimens. 

The preparation of these medicines requires that Sangomas dismember their victims while they are still alive in the belief that by doing so, they will be more powerful. The Sangomas operate mainly through a business-based perspective, where they conduct their practices to obtain money. They collect money from customers who wish to have Muti murders carried out, customers who purchase Muti medicine from them, and by selling their concoctions in black markets.

The leading cause of death from acute poisoning in South Africa is from traditional medicines such as Muti, causing 51.7% of mortality rates. These deaths occurred from medicine acquired directly from the Sangomas or the black market shops that deal with them.

Most Muti victims are innocent children who are lured, murdered and dismembered. Children are primary targets as they are susceptible to attacks due to their being weaker and defenseless. Young children are also targeted as it is believed that due to their young age, they have used up very little of their good luck and health. Screams of these young children are also believed to make Muti medicine more powerful by waking the spirits and empowering them. According to Muti traditions and beliefs, the power of a virgin is greater than one who is sexually active.

The many body parts and organs of a person are believed to have different significant effects. The hand of a victim that is buried in front of a store is believed to drive in customers. The genitals of the victims are believed to bring luck and health to the consumer. The brain may provide knowledge and intelligence, while consuming the eyes would grant far-sightedness.

Muti victim remnants are usually discarded in flowing bodies of waters such as lakes and rivers, hindering any identification processes the police and investigators undertake.

These murders occur to enhance personal power, health and bring good fortune to a person. This good fortune can come in terms of having a striving business or to win the lottery. Ingesting Muti medicine produced with another’s healthy heart or kidney is believed to cure heart and kidney ailments.

Conservative estimates say that there have been at least 300 Muti murders in South Africa over the past decade. These numbers do not allot the numerous people that have perished as a result of HIV from Muti practices.

However, instances of Muti murders are increasing. Although most Muti murders occur in South Africa, there are an increasing number of cases in European nations. There have been barbaric cases in England, Italy, Belgium and Germany. Muti practices have been increasing in South Africa, as well, where children are going missing every week from townships. These missing children are assumed to be forced into prostitution and muti murder.

Numbers are difficult to collect as the investigation of Muti murders is complex and difficult to undertake in the current South African police institutions. Many witnesses do not come forward as they are afraid that the Muti murderers will seek revenge upon them.

Something must be done to improve conditions in South Africa. The people must be provided with alternatives to Muti medicine as many Muti murders are a result of lack of access to professional medicines and healthcare - Sangomas provide basic healthcare to an estimated 80% of South Africa’s 45 million people, most of whom cannot afford Western-style healthcare.

Local governments must commit themselves to providing alternative means of medical care for their citizens. Education as key, and citizens must be taught about the criminal aspects of Muti medicine, as well as their ineffectiveness. With an informed public, action can be taken to prevent further Muti killings and provide alternative means to healthcare. Innocent lives are being lost for beliefs that eating, drinking or anointing oneself with another person’s organs and body parts will provide power, health and luck. United and educated communities can help put an end to Muti murders and killings.

Sources

Crawford, Cathryn. “Ignorance in Africa.” American Daily. 10 July 2003. 4 November 2004. <http://www.americandaily.com/article/3927>.

Dynes, Michael. “’Magic medicine’ murders bedevil South Africa.” Times Online. 4 October 2003. 4 November 2004. <http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-840639,00.html>.

“FACTNet Alert: Cultic ritual child murders: England + South Africa.” FACTNet. 2 April 2002. 4 November 2004. <http://www.factnet.org/cults/Sangoma/Muti_Murder.html?FACTNet>.

“Four Page Appendix to 13 January 2000 Letter to Folb, Extracted from Referenced Report.” GAIA Research. 4 November 2004. <http://gaiaresearch.co.za/pharmapact/Folb%20%20Append%20Jan%202000.pdf>.

“’I was forced to kill my baby.” 2 April 2002. 4 November 2004. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1899609.stm>.

“Muti medicine: Herbs and murder.” CNN. 19 April 2002. 4 November 2004. <http://archives.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/europe/04/19/mandela.muti/>.

Peta, Basildon. “Harvest of death feeds occult's macabre trade.” The New Zealand Herald. 27 August 2004. 4 November 2004. <http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?ObjectID=3587554>

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