Congo Probes Witchcraft Stampede Deaths

13 killed after accusations of sorcery provoke fighting, panic

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 16, 2008 11:00 AM CDT

(Newser) – Accusations of witchcraft led to a deadly stampede at a soccer game in the Congo, the BBC reports. Fighting broke out between rival teams after players from one team accused the rival team's goalkeeper of casting spells. Police intervened but were pelted with rocks by the crowd. They fired tear gas in response, and 13 were suffocated in a crush at the stadium exit. The Congolese government plans an investigation.

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13 were killed in a stampede in the Congolese city of Butembo following unrest at a soccer game. (Getty Images (by Event) Individuals)

Lone Soccer Ball ((c) My_Boy_Dodger)

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The keeper of Nyuki removed stuff from his jersey and threw it into the net of their opponents. Socozaki players caught him and started beating him after alleging that he had tried to throw witchcraft in their net. - An eyewitness in Butembo, Congo

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Congo Probes Witchcraft Stampede Deaths