Man’s body hair shaved for magic after abduction in Congo

LONDON/MADRID - The body hair of a Spanish doctor, who was kidnapped in Congo, was shaved by abductors as they believe in “magical fetishes made with hair of whites”, a minister said.

Mario Zarza Manresa, a doctor who was travelling through Congo, had been kidnapped, Spanish foreign ministry said Saturday.

The Telegraph quoted Congolese information minister as saying that Manresa had been “shaved completely by Ibrahim (a rebel leader) who believes in magical fetishes made with hair and body hair of whites”.

Gunmen often wear trinkets or traditional garments before heading into battle, in the hope it will protect them from enemy bullets. Some also believe that fetishes will turn bullets into water.

Manresa was in Congo as a tourist and not for work.

EFE adds: The Spanish foreign ministry said that Spanish authorities were working with their Congo counterparts to locate and secure the release of the victim.

According to the African nation’s government, the Spanish doctor was kidnapped by suspected Enyele rebels during an attack on the northwestern city of Mbandaka.

Zarza, who reportedly was on vacation in the rainforest gateway city of Kinsangani, was abducted Sunday by the rebels while travelling by boat on the Congo River.

Spain’s consul in Kinshasa, Enrique Criado, said that Zarza’s family has confirmed that he was on vacation in that remote region and was intending to travel by boat along the Congo River.

The rebels, Congolese Communications Minister Lambert Mende said Friday, belong to a group known as the Allied Forces for the Liberation of Congo that is headed by Ibrahim Mangbama.