Is South Africa Safe For A Wiccan Vacation?

Dear Doc Paranormal:
What are the current attitudes in South Africa towards witch-hunting? I am a Wiccan who is traveling to the northern part of the country and I'm concerned about my safety. Should I cancel my trip?
Worried

Dear Worried:

I think you should go. South Africa is a wonderful country. But exercise caution. Be aware that you may encounter fellows like Sergeant Albert Malgonza, head of the "witchcraft desk" in Southern Africa's Northern Province. Responsible for investigating any claims that witchcraft is being practiced, the police officer is among many who believe that local citizens are at risk due to the continuing government ban on witch-hunting by civilians. In an interview, he cited the case of a female witch who flew to a neighboring village on a dinner plate. Once there, Malgonza claims, she turned into smoke and entered the home of her enemies, upon whom she cast an evil spell. Malgonza strongly disagrees with a court ruling that concluded the woman was merely insane.

8th Anniversary of Witch-Hunting Ban

Today marks the bronze anniversary of the ban on witch-hunting in South Africa's Northern Province. The 2000 ban infuriated prominent locals who felt it gave witches license to terrorize the countryside. Dr. Joseph Lesoalo, a London-trained physician, even told the Christian Science Monitor that witches had been "freed" by the government. "The result is that witchcraft is dominating the area," he added. Prior to the ban, 500 people accused of witchcraft were killed by angry mobs. Since it took effect, only one suspected witch has been murdered.

More on Skeptics

Some folks think that "reality" is only what they can examine with the five senses. Unless they can touch, see, hear, smell or taste it--buddy it ain't real. Other people have experienced a sixth sense, a world beyond the known sensual realm, where anything and everything is possible. The ability to see the future, move objects with mind power, talk to deceased loved ones and read someone's thoughts are only a sampling of these "extra" senses.

But how do you prove to unimaginative skeptics the existence of realms that--let's face it--rattle even the bravest among us when they're encountered? You don't. They'll never believe you.

That is, until they see a ghost too. Or a UFO. Or are visited by a dead loved one in the middle of the night. Only then will they become one of the enlightened. The people who know. Who read stories of the unknown every day in Doc Paranormal. Who know no matter how weird, how wild, how absolutely outlandish such extraordinary events seem at first glance, that they were real to the person who described them. As real as the ghost, UFO or deceased relative that you saw, touched, heard...sensed.