Human Sacrifice in Voodoo Rites Alleged

LIBREVILLE, Gabon — Police arrested 30 people after the discovery of the body of a policewoman who was apparently decapitated by a machete in a human sacrifice that climaxed three days of voodoo-style rites at a witch doctor’s home, it was reported Wednesday.

The state-run Gabonese newspaper L’Union said Police Sgt. Flavienne Nzoua was on maternity leave at the suburban home of Joseph Nzoghe, a celebrated leader of the secret society, when the rites were staged.

The newspaper said Nzoua was a follower of the Bwiti sect and had participated with Nzoghe in numerous ritual ceremonies, including an induction ceremony for six new members last Thursday, according to the report.

Bwiti rites are said to be practiced by several senior officials of President Omar Bongo’s government and high civil servants.