Selling Body Parts for ‘Rituals’ in Sierra Leone

Papayo’s mother Sally Kalokoh has not come to terms with her son’s death and wants his killers found

A BBC Africa Eye investigation has revealed a disturbing trend of killings in Sierra Leone linked to the illicit trade in human body parts for use in so-called magic rituals. Families of victims are left traumatized, while many cases remain unresolved due to limited police resources and cultural beliefs in witchcraft.

The investigation highlighted the murder of 11-year-old Papayo Kalokoh, who was found dead with body parts removed after going missing while selling fish. Similarly, Fatmata Conteh, a 28-year-old mother of two, was found dead under suspicious circumstances believed to be linked to ritual practices. In both cases, authorities have yet to make arrests.

BBC Africa Eye’s undercover team discovered individuals claiming to be “juju practitioners” offering human body parts for rituals. One, identifying himself as Kanu, boasted of supplying powerful clients across West Africa and showed evidence including a human skull. Another alleged operator, Idara, claimed to work with a network of 250 herbalists, some skilled in abducting victims.

Authorities are struggling to respond due to severe understaffing, limited forensic capacity, and entrenched beliefs in magic among some police officers. Sierra Leone has only one pathologist for a population of 8.9 million. The Council of Traditional Healers, led by Sheku Tarawallie, has condemned such “diabolic” practices and is cooperating with police to apprehend offenders.

Idara and two associates have been arrested and charged with practicing sorcery and possession of ritual tools, but cases in other regions remain unresolved, leaving communities fearful.

The investigation underscores the urgent need for improved law enforcement, public awareness, and regulation to combat the dangerous underground trade in human body parts in Sierra Leone.