Reports indicate the occurrence of killings in Sierra Leone, which families attribute to suspected ritualistic practices. Investigations have focused on the trade of human body parts associated with these incidents. An 11-year-old boy, Papayo, was reported missing four years prior. His mother, Sallay Kalokoh, stated that his body was later discovered with removed organs, eyes, and an arm. The family searched for two weeks before locating his remains in a well.
Residents report advising children to exercise caution due to perceived risks of abductions. In the case of Papayo, authorities did not officially classify the death as a "ritual killing," defined as a murder intended to procure body parts for use by juju practitioners. These practitioners reportedly claim that human body parts enhance the potency of charms, promising prosperity or power in exchange for payment. Law enforcement investigations are challenged by resource limitations, including the presence of only one pathologist for a population of 8.9 million. Additionally, cultural beliefs in witchcraft are cited as a factor impacting the pursuit and resolution of such cases by authorities, leading to many remaining unsolved.
Undercover Investigations into the Body Part Trade
An investigation identified two individuals claiming to be juju practitioners who offered to supply human body parts for rituals. Both individuals asserted involvement in larger networks, with one claiming connections to high-profile clients in West Africa; these claims were not independently verified.
An undercover operative, identified as Osman, posed as a politician seeking power through human sacrifice. The operative met an individual identified as Kanu in Kambia district. Kanu, wearing a red mask, claimed political affiliations across West Africa and stated that his shrine was frequented by individuals during election periods, a time when increased caution regarding child abductions is advised. During a subsequent meeting, Kanu presented what he stated was a human skull and indicated a pit used for dismembering bodies. He quoted a price of 70 million leones (£2,500; $3,000) for female human body parts. Information gathered about Kanu was provided to local police for further investigation.
Traditional Healers vs. Juju Practitioners
Sierra Leone's healthcare system includes approximately 1,000 registered medical doctors as of 2022, alongside an estimated 45,000 traditional healers. Many citizens rely on these healers for various ailments, including mental health issues, often involving spiritual practices. Sheku Tarawallie, President of Sierra Leone's Council of Traditional Healers, differentiated between legitimate healers and individuals who engage in ritualistic practices, stating that such individuals negatively impact the public perception of traditional healing. He affirmed that his organization is working with governmental and non-governmental bodies to establish a traditional medicine clinic. Tarawallie suggested that individuals seeking power or wealth are often linked to ritual killings, utilizing human parts for sacrifice or other purposes.
Official statistics on ritual killings in Sierra Leone are unavailable, as these incidents are not categorized separately from other homicides. Emmanuel Sarpong Owusu, a researcher at Aberystwyth University, stated that many such cases may be misclassified or unreported, with an estimated 90% of perpetrators not apprehended.
A second suspected supplier of body parts, identified as Idara, was located in Waterloo, Freetown. Idara claimed to oversee a network of up to 250 'herbalists' involved in procuring human body parts. He described a collaborative process where specific body parts are supplied upon request. During an undercover meeting with Osman, Idara played a voice message from an associate who indicated readiness to search for victims.
Police Action and Unresolved Cases
Upon receiving information that Idara's team had identified a potential victim, Police Commissioner Ibrahim Sama authorized a raid. Assistant Superintendent Aliu Jallo stated that police often collaborate with traditional healers like Mr. Tarawallie in such operations, citing beliefs among some officers regarding the alleged powers of 'witchdoctors.' Idara was apprehended at the Waterloo property, reportedly found with a knife. Mr. Tarawallie's search of the premises reportedly yielded human bones, human hair, and material resembling cemetery dirt. Idara and two other men were arrested and charged in June with practicing sorcery and possessing traditional weapons associated with ritual killings. All three pleaded not guilty and were released on bail, awaiting further investigation.
Police in Kambia did not provide an update on the Kanu investigation, and attempts to contact him were unsuccessful. High-profile cases of suspected ritual killings have also encountered delays. For example, a university lecturer's disappearance in Freetown two years prior led to the discovery of his body at a suspected herbalist's shrine in Waterloo. This case was referred to the High Court in August 2023, but sources indicate no further pursuit, and previously detained individuals have been released on bail.
In a separate incident in May, Fatmata Conteh, 28, was found deceased in Makeni with missing teeth, prompting community speculation of a ritual killing. Her family funded an autopsy in Freetown, which was inconclusive, and no arrests have been made. Such unresolved cases contribute to community concerns in affected areas like Makeni.