Dr Keith Silika joins PolicingTV to discuss one of the most unusual and challenging areas of policing research: the investigation of harmful witchcraft-related practices. Drawing on policing experience in both Zimbabwe and the UK, and on his academic work in criminology, human rights and forensic investigation, Keith explains why this issue deserves far more attention and why belief systems can sometimes shape both offending and police responses.
The interview also explores how Keith is trying to bring new thinking into this field, including the use of artificial intelligence, offender analysis, crime scene management and a new app called Spirit. His aim is not only to improve investigations, but to help reduce and ultimately eradicate the most harmful practices, particularly those involving abduction, mutilation and ritual violence. It is a fascinating discussion about culture, policing, technology and one of the least understood areas of criminal investigation.
If you want to find out more about the witchcraft conference, click here
Key takeaways
- Dr Keith Silika’s work brings together policing, criminology, human rights and forensic investigation.
- A major theme is the investigation of harmful witchcraft-related practices, especially in parts of Africa.
- Keith says children and women are sometimes abducted, mutilated and exploited for ritual purposes.
- He believes better policing and forensic investigation could help reduce these crimes significantly.
- Artificial intelligence is one of the tools he is exploring for pattern analysis, offender analysis and crime scene work.
- He says skepticism remains a challenge, including among some police officers who still hold related beliefs.
- Keith has developed an app called Spirit to support training and case analysis in harmful practices investigations.
- His long-term goal is clear: better investigation, wider awareness and the eventual eradication of these crimes.
Chapters
00:30 – Meet Dr Keith Silika
01:24 – Policing, criminology and harmful witchcraft practices
02:03 – Why this research matters
03:56 – Why officers can be sceptical
05:38 – What the UK can learn too
07:15 – What Keith hopes to change
08:31 – The Spirit app and future training
09:48 – Why this conversation needs to continue
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