Magistrates Court hears witchcraft case   |03 October 2023

Dr Herminie speaking to the local press

          Eight men charged

The United Seychelles leader, Dr Patrick Herminie, and seven other men were yesterday formally charged with witchcraft-related offences before the Magistrates Court.

This is the latest in the ongoing saga which started late last month, with the arrest of six men namely five locals and a Tanzanian national.

Last Friday, the US party leader was arrested and later released in relation to the case and yesterday he was summoned to court to be officially charged, along with 7 others, including the six who were initially arrested.

These charges encompass a range of offences; namely being in possession of anything intended to be used for the purpose of witchcraft, conspiracy to exercise in witchcraft non-natural and superstitious mean, counselling and procuring another person in exercising witchcraft, non-natural and superstitious mean and soliciting any person to advise him on any matter for the purpose whatsoever by witchcraft, non-natural or other superstitious means.

The police, through the prosecutor’s office, have brought forward a total of 53 charges against the accused.

The first accused, a Tanzanian suspect, Ali Ali Said, faces a total of 22 charges, while the second accused, Simon Dine, 62, of Reef Estate faces 18 charges.

The third accused is 58-year-old Jules Radegonde of La Digue who faces four charges, while the fourth accused, Bashir Umarji, 48, of Quincy Village, faces three charges.

There are two charges filed against the fifth and sixth accused, Marcel Naiken, 49, of Baie Lazare, and Yvon Legaie, 54, Ma Joie, respectively.

The seventh accused, Kenette Evenor, 44, of Grand Anse Mahé and the eighth accused, Dr Patrick Herminie, 60, of Mont Buxton, both face one charge.

The Tanzanian national has been remanded in custody until October 16, while the other seven accused have been released under various conditions, including posting a bail bond of R30,000 and surrendering their passports to the court. They have also been cautioned against practicing similar activities.

All eight individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate's Court on November 2, 2023.

One of the accused, Dr Patrick Herminie, the leader of United Seychelles, has described the whole case as “political persecution”. In a short statement to the local press at his party’s headquarters, following his court appearance, Dr Herminie explained that he was approached by a police officer yesterday morning who handed him a summons to appear in court.

“I was informed that I have been charged with soliciting unnatural, superstitious, and witchcraft advice. I went to court, and the charges were formally brought against me. I signed a bail bond and surrendered my passport, and I am set to appear in court on November 2.”

Dr Herminie added that “this appears to be a political witch-hunt orchestrated by the President of the Republic, who appears to be very scared. He is well aware that United Seychelles is rising like a Phoenix from the ashes, and there is nothing that can deter us. His primary objective seems to be preventing me from contesting the 2025 election, but even if he succeeds, there are others ready to step in. United Seychelles will continue to exist and persist in its endeavour to reform our country's system”.

Furthermore, the US party leader accused President Wavel Ramkalawan of discussing an ongoing court case during his party’s recent convention. Dr Herminie refuted the allegations made by Mr Ramkalawan, stating, “He claimed that I had transferred $4,000 to one of the accused, but I categorically deny this allegation. If such a transfer had occurred, there would be bank records to prove it, and he is welcome to investigate, but he will find nothing because it never happened”.

He further added that last week’s search of his office by the police were to look for demonic or satanic objects, as well as human remains. “But they found nothing incriminating. It appears that something changed over the weekend, and on Monday, I was charged. This, to me, is political persecution. He should refrain from discussing matters that are sub judice.”

Dr Herminie has reassured the public that this incident has strengthened the political party and he was also receiving support from his family, friends and even from opposition supporters.

He said US will soon confirm its presidential candidate and running mate and it was focused on its programme.

Text and photo: Vidya Gappy