Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Witchdoctor held over child sacrifice

Police in Ntungamo are holding a 36-year-old witchdoctor who allegedly sacrificed his client’s baby and forcefully had sex with her. Mr Ballam Mugisha from Kagando Kafunjo Sub-county, was arrested last week after he allegedly sacrificed Vangilista Ahimbisibwe’s baby. According to the Police, Ms Ahimbisibwe, 38, a resident of Kiruhura District, had in August sought the witchdoctor’s help after her legs began swelling. The acting officer in charge of Criminal Investigations, Mr Charles Muhereza, said Mugisha convinced the expectant woman to travel to Ntungamo with him for treatment. Getting to Kahengye Sub-county in Ntungamo, the witchdoctor took her to a shrine, where he reportedly had sex with her, claiming it was the most efficient way of administering the medication.The medicineman then held Ms Ahimbisibwe hostage, allegedly using a snake to bar her from leaving the shrine. In the two months, the woman, according to Police went into labour, but the witchdoctor reportedly bludgeoned the newly-born baby. Mugisha then announced that he was travelling to Tanzania to get more medicine, giving Ms Ahimbisibwe room to escape and seek Police help. The Police say they will investigate the validity of the accusations before preferring charges.