Muti Killing

Abstract

Muti killings are a form of murder committed by certain African tribes in South Africa and other African countries. Body parts for medicinal and ritualistic purposes are removed whilst the victims, mostly women and children, are still alive. The authors report the case of a 10-year-old boy who was found in an unconscious state in the undergrowth near a rural village in Limpopo, South Africa. He had several injuries which included the removal of his private parts and severe head injuries. The incidence, etiological and cultural factors, predisposing conditions and legal questions arising from such deaths are discussed.