Tunduma: More than 80 people have been killed between October 2025 and July this year following false accusations related to "genital theft," as reported by the BBC Global Disinformation Unit. The data, gathered from police forces across six African countries, highlights a disturbing trend fueled by misinformation on social media platforms.
According to BBC, the killings are linked to rumors that a simple tap on the shoulder can cause a man's genitals to shrink or disappear. This misinformation has been spreading widely on social media, creating panic and leading to violent attacks. Tanzanian mechanic Boniface Mgala recounted his harrowing experience in April when he was accused of being a genital thief and violently beaten by a mob. Videos obtained by the BBC show similar incidents where men claim their genitals have vanished after contact with strangers, prompting mobs to demand the return of the alleged stolen organs.
These superstitions are not new to the continent, where belief in witchcraft is prevalent. However, social media has amplified these fears, spreading the rumors across regions including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Zambia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Angola, Malawi, and Kenya. In Zambia, rumors gained momentum in March after a woman was lynched, which then triggered panic in neighboring Tanzania.
In Tunduma, Tanzania, Mgala survived a brutal attack that left him with physical scars and the emotional trauma of losing his friend, who was killed during the incident. Commercial photographer Michael Silavwe witnessed a similar assault on the same day, highlighting the spread of anxiety fueled by viral videos on TikTok.
Local authorities, including Momba district commissioner Elias Daniel Mwandobo, suspect criminal intent behind the incidents, suggesting individuals are inciting panic for their own benefits. Videos verified by the BBC show similar attacks occurring in other countries, with many of these videos remaining accessible online. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, stated it is reviewing content to enforce policy compliance, while TikTok has yet to comment.
The situation is particularly severe in Mozambique, where police reported 55 deaths in six weeks. President Daniel Chapo publicly condemned the rumors, asserting that no medical evidence supports the claims. The violence has also affected healthcare workers and led to the temporary closure of health facilities while public awareness campaigns were conducted.
In Kenya, recent incidents resulted in five deaths, prompting Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Noor to criticize content creators who spread false information to gain engagement. Authorities have made arrests to curb the violence, including a father and son sentenced to prison for assault.
Despite efforts to contain the situation, the spread of rumors continues to incite violence and fear across affected communities, leaving survivors like Mgala to cope with the aftermath of these tragic events.
