“Penis Shrinking” rumours spark mob killings in Mozambique

May 21 2026

At least 60 people have been lynched across Mozambique over the past month after being accused of using sorcery to allegedly shrink or steal men’s genitals, according to local authorities and regional media reports.

The bizarre panic reportedly began on April 18 in the northern province of Cabo Delgado before rapidly spreading to several other provinces including Nampula, Zambezia, Niassa and Sofala. Authorities say mobs have targeted suspected “sorcerers” based on rumours claiming that a handshake, touch or even a glance could cause a man’s penis to disappear or shrink.

According to Mozambique’s Interior Minister Paulo Chachine, dozens of people have also been injured while more than 100 suspects linked to the violence and unrest have been detained by police. Victims of the mob attacks reportedly include teachers, a nurse, a police officer and local government officials.

Medical officials have repeatedly stated that there is no evidence supporting the claims. Health authorities in Cabo Delgado said examinations carried out on men who complained of genital shrinkage found no physical abnormalities, with experts describing the incidents as cases of mass panic and misinformation.

Clinical psychologist Ibraimo Colabo reportedly told local media that some men genuinely believed they had been affected, despite medical tests proving otherwise. Authorities say fear and superstition have fueled violent reprisals against innocent people.

The Mozambican government and President Daniel Chapo have publicly dismissed the rumours as false, urging citizens not to spread misinformation or engage in vigilante justice. Police have warned that anyone involved in inciting violence or participating in lynch mobs will face criminal charges.

Belief in witchcraft and sorcery remains deeply rooted in parts of southern and eastern Africa, particularly among some rural communities where traditional beliefs still strongly influence daily life. Researchers and historians note that accusations linked to witchcraft have previously resulted in mob violence in parts of Mozambique and neighbouring countries.

Sources: allAfrica.com, Mozambique