Tunduma: More than 80 people have lost their lives between October 2025 and July this year due to false accusations related to "genital theft," according to data gathered by the BBC Global Disinformation Unit from police forces across six African countries.

According to BBC, the killings are a result of rumors suggesting that a simple tap on the shoulder can cause a man's genitals to shrink or disappear. These claims, which are deeply rooted in longstanding fears and superstitions, have been amplified by widespread misinformation on social media. Tanzanian mechanic Boniface Mgala recounted how a mob, convinced he was a genital thief, attacked him in April. He was severely beaten and his friend was killed during the incident.

The wave of rumors began last year in the Democratic Republic of Congo, progressing to Burundi, Zambia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Angola, Malawi, and Kenya. In Zambia, the rumors gained traction in March, leading to panic across the border in Tanzania. Mgala described his traumatic experience, which left him with physical and emotional scars. Despite police efforts and community support, the impact on his life and family remains profound.

Commercial photographer Michael Silavwe witnessed a similar attack in Tunduma, where misinformation on platforms like TikTok fueled public fear. He reported seeing a man accused of genital theft being beaten and set on fire. Videos of such attacks have circulated widely on social media, contributing to the hysteria.

Local authorities, like Momba district commissioner Elias Daniel Mwandobo, suspect criminal intent behind some incidents. However, the circulation of these rumors continues, even as platforms like Meta pledge to review and remove violating content.

Mozambique has been the worst affected, with 55 deaths in six weeks. President Daniel Chapo has condemned the rumors and emphasized the lack of medical evidence to support such claims. Public awareness campaigns have been launched to counter misinformation, partly linking fears to Koro syndrome, a mental illness associated with genital retraction hysteria.

In Kenya, recent violence left five people dead, prompting Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Noor to criticize content creators for spreading false claims. Several arrests have been made, including individuals involved in assaults based on these rumors.

As communities grapple with the aftermath, the stories of those like Mgala reveal the deep emotional scars left by the violence. The tragic events underscore the potent role of social media in spreading misinformation and inciting violence, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and intervention.