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More than 80 people have died in six African countries between October last year and July this year due to false rumors of ‘genital theft’. The BBC Global Disinformation Unit reported this information based on an analysis of data obtained from the police forces of these countries.
Rumors have spread that if a stranger lightly touches a man’s back, his genitals could shrink or disappear. Various types of false information circulating on social media have further fueled these rumors.
According to the BBC report, agitated crowds have attacked suspected individuals in various countries based on such claims. Several men have also claimed that their genitals and testicles shrank or disappeared after coming into contact with a stranger. Following this, crowds demanded that the accused individuals return the alleged ‘stolen’ genitals. Due to strong beliefs in witchcraft and superstition in some parts of Africa, such rumors have been circulating for many years.
Boniface Mgala, a mechanic from Tanzania, was a victim of such an attack last April. He and his friend were attacked while meeting a buyer to sell a car. Mgala suffered a jaw injury and a broken tooth in the attack. When he regained consciousness in the hospital two days later, he learned that his friend had died.
Regarding videos of violence spreading on social media, photographer and businessman Michael Silavwe stated that panic increased in the area after videos about alleged ‘stolen genitals’ spread on various social media platforms, including TikTok. He reported that one person was beaten and then burned to death. The BBC Global Disinformation Unit verified a video of the incident. The BBC also verified similar attack videos in Mozambique and Kenya.
Mozambique has seen the highest number of fatalities due to these rumors. The country’s police reported last May that 55 people, including a police officer, health worker, and government employee, were killed in six weeks. Mozambican President Daniel Chapo condemned these rumors and killings. He stated that these claims are completely false and that the government has found no medical evidence of any body part disappearing. The government suggested that some of this public panic might be related to a psychological condition known as ‘Koro Syndrome’.
Similar rumors have led to recent violence in Kenya and Malawi, resulting in five and eight deaths, respectively. Mohammed Noor, Commissioner of Mombasa County in Kenya, alleged that some content creators spread these false claims in hopes of gaining more views and engagement.
According to author Julien Bonhomme, smartphones and social media play a significant role in rapidly spreading rumors and reaching a large number of people. In his view, videos circulating on social media can make these claims appear more credible to people.
A Meta spokesperson stated that the company is reviewing such shared content and will take action if evidence of policy violations is found. TikTok, however, has not commented on the matter.