In a disturbing series of events that unfolded in 2017, bald men in Mozambique faced an unprecedented threat: being targeted for their supposedly “golden” heads.

Yes, you read that right – local witchdoctors were spreading the belief that bald heads contained actual gold, leading to a horrifying wave of ritual killings.
The Deadly Superstition Taking Lives
What started as a bizarre rumor quickly turned deadly in Mozambique’s central Zambezia province.
Police commander Afonso Dias revealed that five men had been killed for their body parts in the Milange district, with three murders happening in a single week.

But here’s where it gets even more twisted: authorities believed the whole “gold in bald heads” story was actually a scheme cooked up by witchdoctors to convince clients to bring them human heads.
A Sinister Network Exposed
When police arrested two suspects – both young Mozambicans around age 20 – the investigation uncovered an even darker truth.

According to regional security spokesman Miguel Caetano, one victim had not only been decapitated but also had his organs removed.
The suspects revealed these body parts were destined for ritual ceremonies in neighboring Tanzania and Malawi, supposedly to help clients increase their wealth.
Not The First Time
If you’re thinking this sounds like an isolated incident, think again. The region has a troubling history of ritual killings, with people with albinism being particularly vulnerable.

These attacks have been documented across East Africa, where body parts are used by witchdoctors to create charms and potions.
The Local Connection
“Their motive comes from superstition and culture – the local community thinks bald individuals are rich,” Commander Dias explained at a Maputo press conference.
This twisted logic created a perfect storm where supernatural beliefs merged with the pursuit of wealth, putting innocent lives at risk.

What makes this story particularly chilling is how a physical characteristic as common as baldness suddenly became a death sentence.
The police warning served as a grim reminder of how dangerous superstitions can be when they take hold in communities desperate for wealth.
Editor’s Note:
Source material: BBC News report from 2017, including quotes from Police Commander Afonso Dias, regional security spokesman Miguel Caetano, and AFP news agency reports.