‘Stole Someone’s P*nis’: Mobs Kill More Than 80 in Africa Over Viral ‘Genital Theft’ Rumours
More than 80 people have been killed across African countries amid false “genital theft” rumours spread through TikTok, Facebook and other platforms. The bizarre claims have triggered mob attacks in Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, Malawi and other nations, with authorities warning against dangerous misinformation.
More than 80 people have been killed across several African countries following the spread of false claims about so-called “genital theft”, with social media platforms such as TikTok and Facebook helping fuel panic and mob violence.
According to a report by the BBC and its Global Disinformation Unit, more than 80 people were killed between October 2025 and July 2026 following accusations linked to the bizarre rumours across six countries. The claims have been reported in at least eight African nations, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Zambia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Angola, Malawi and Kenya.
What Is The ‘Genital Theft’ Rumour?
The misinformation centres on claims that a person's p*nis or t*sticles can disappear or shrink after coming into contact with another person.
People accused of causing the supposed disappearance have been confronted by angry mobs, with some attacked or killed after being accused of stealing another person's genitals. Why Do Ancient Statues Have Such Small P*nises?
The rumours are linked in part to longstanding local beliefs and superstitions surrounding witchcraft. However, social media videos, posts and messages have helped the claims spread rapidly across borders.
More Than 80 Dead Over ‘Genital Theft’ Rumours
The belief that someone can steal another person’s genitals is rooted in old fears and superstitions. A BBC team got access to a victim of violence called Boniface in remote Tanzania. He was having lunch in a restaurant with a friend when an angry crowd dragged them out. pic.twitter.com/vJd0qQkMyM
— BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) September 3, 2026
How Did The Rumours Spread?
The BBC report said the rumours appeared to have originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where similar accusations had also emerged in 2008.
The latest wave reportedly gained momentum in 2025 before spreading to other countries. TikTok videos, Facebook posts, Shorts and Reels have been used to circulate alleged accounts of “genital theft”, warnings about supposed attacks and footage of confrontations. Can You Know Your ‘P*nis Age?’ Biohacker Bryan Johnson Reveals How To Check Your ‘Erection Age’ With His Controversial Rejuvenation Methods.
Some videos analysed by the BBC's disinformation verification team reportedly remain available online, including footage showing mob attacks.
The rapid spread of such content has turned isolated accusations into wider waves of panic, with crowds sometimes targeting strangers based on unverified claims.
Tanzanian Man Recalls Mob Attack
Tanzanian mechanic Boniface Mgala was among those caught up in the violence.
According to the BBC, Mgala and a friend had travelled to Tunduma on April 1 to meet a client about a car sale. They stopped at a restaurant for lunch but were allegedly dragged outside by a mob.
“They were shouting that we had stolen someone’s genitals,” Mgala was quoted as saying.
He survived after being confronted by a crowd that believed he had stolen p*nises and t*sticles.
Another video from Dar es Salaam reportedly shows a crowd marching and assaulting a man in a market while demanding that he return the genitalia he was accused of stealing. The man can be seen pleading his innocence.
Mozambique Worst Hit By ‘Genital Theft’ Panic
Mozambique has reportedly suffered the deadliest outbreak linked to the rumours.
Police said in May that 55 people had been killed in just six weeks. Those killed reportedly included a police officer, healthcare workers and civil servants.
Mozambican President Daniel Chapo condemned the rumours and the resulting deaths, saying the claims were false. The government also said it had found no medical evidence that anyone had actually lost a body part.
Authorities have suggested that some cases could be connected to Koro syndrome, a mental health condition in which a person believes their genitals are shrinking or disappearing.
Kenya Sees Latest Deadly Attacks
The latest reported incidents have emerged in Kenya, where mobs reportedly killed five people in the coastal counties of Kwale and Mombasa.
Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Noor blamed some content creators for spreading the false claims in an effort to gain views and attention.
Police reportedly contained the violence and made several arrests. Among those convicted were a father and son who each received one-year prison sentences after pleading guilty to assaulting a woman they accused of causing men's genitals to disappear.
Malawi Also Reports Deaths
Malawi has also been affected by the rumours, with mob attacks linked to the claims reportedly leaving eight people dead.
The incidents highlight how misinformation circulating online can have consequences far beyond social media, particularly when false claims intersect with existing superstitions and fears.
Authorities and disinformation researchers have urged people to verify sensational claims before sharing them, while governments in affected countries have attempted to counter the rumours through public awareness campaigns.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 05, 2026 05:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
