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EXTRACT FROM CRIMINAL LAW CODE
Act No. 23 of 2004
Date of commencement: 1st July 2006
Note: Before 1st July 2006 the law on witchcraft offences was contained in the Witchcraft
Suppression Act. That Act was repealed by section 283 of the Criminal Law Code.
CHAPTER V
CRIMES AGAINST THE PERSON
PART VI
WITCHCRAFT, WITCH-FINDING AND CRIMES RELATED THERETO
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Interpretation in Part VI of Chapter V
In this Part⎯
“accuse a person of witchcraft” means to indicate that the person⎯
(a) has used, is using or is likely or able to use non-natural means to cause⎯
(i) death or injury to or disease or disability in any person; or
(ii) destruction or loss of or damage to property of any description;
or
(b) is possessed by a spirit which has caused, is causing or is likely or able to
cause⎯
(i) death or injury to or disease or disability in any person; or
(ii) destruction or loss of or damage to property of any description;
“non-natural means” includes the practice of witch-finding.
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Engaging in practices commonly associated with witchcraft
(1) Any person who engages in any practice knowing that it is commonly associated with
witchcraft shall be guilty of engaging in a practice commonly associated with witchcraft if,
having intended thereby to cause harm to any person, such practice inspires in the person
against whom it was directed a real fear or belief that harm will occur to that person or any
member of his or her family, and be liable to a fine not exceeding level ten or imprisonment
for a period not exceeding five years or both.
(2) Spoken or written words shall not in themselves constitute a practice commonly
associated with witchcraft for the purpose of this section, unless accompanied by or used in
connection with other conduct commonly associated with witchcraft.
(3) For the avoidance of doubt it is declared that any person who assists another person
to commit the crime of engaging in a practice commonly associated with witchcraft by giving