The 1980s Zimbabwe Witchcraft Suppression Debate

Record summary

After independence in 1980, Zimbabwe continued to face disputes over witchcraft accusations, traditional healing, spirit mediums, and the inherited Witchcraft Suppression Act. The subject offers a concrete comparison of colonial law, customary authority, Christian interpretation, and postcolonial state policy. It is not one verified occult event: the strongest leads are parliamentary debates, court cases, newspaper reports, and studies of traditional healers. Researchers should determine whether a source concerns accusation, healing practice, spirit mediumship, or legislation, since these were often merged in public rhetoric.