Witchcraft is at base of human trafficking in Mozambique, missionary sister reports

In Mozambique, human trafficking and the sale of human organs are closely tied to the practice of witchcraft, according to a religious sister working for the bishops’ conference.

Sister Marines Biasibetti, a Scalabrinian who serves on the bishops’ commission for migrants, told a conference in Rome that most people - including Church officials - have been afraid to speak out candidly about witchcraft. 

But the topic must be addressed, she said, “especially regarding the trafficking in organs because it is related to magic and cultural beliefs.”

The Brazilian sister, who has worked in Mozambique for two years, explained that shamans promise to cure ills and provide people with riches, but require their “patients” to bring a human body part.

The problem is a longstanding one, she said, but “now through the Church we are beginning to speak about this issue.”