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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 72

Witchcraft

Witchcraft.

Witchcraft forms a very important factor in the Matabele economy and, as elsewhere indicated, has exercised a powerful influence over Lo Bengula. He is much addicted to the sacred duties of "medicine" or "mystery" of various kinds, which he practised in the more private of his kraals—the goat or "buck" kraal—daubed with rude paint. Witchcraft is made a convenient lever for getting rid of people who may be in the way, and Lo Bengula has on various occasions availed himself of this hideous superstition. Evidence is not required to justify, or permitted to disprove, any accusation, Lo Bengula's own sister Nini, who for page 58 years was a most influential personage in Matabeleland, and whose prestige was largely maintained by her use of the powerful weapon of bringing charges of witchcraft against persons whom she disliked, was herself suddenly dispatched on a similar accusation. As with nomadic pastoral races generally, "rain-making" forms an important function of the King as Chief Magician, and in this respect Lo Bengula is credited by his people with being a proficient, His reputed skill in rain-making gives him an additional hold upon the loyalty of his people, whoso very existence depends to a large extent upon the provision of suitable pasturage for their cattle.