The Nkasa Tree Test
for Witches
A Living Practice in Southern Malawi & Rural DRC
The tree does not kill the innocent.
The tree only reveals what already lives inside.
The tree only reveals what already lives inside.
Only for judgment.
In 2019 — and still today — in villages of Southern Malawi and rural Democratic Republic of Congo,
when someone is accused of witchcraft,
they are forced to drink powdered bark of the Nkasa tree.
If they vomit — they live.
They are carried back to the village in celebration.
Songs of innocence rise like smoke.
If they die — they were guilty.
The body is burned.
The ashes scattered so no spirit can return.
The villagers say the bark itself is not poison.
It is the spirit in the tree that judges.
The Nganga addresses the tree as Mwanda — “Great One” — before cutting.
Honour must be given.
The tree must be willing.
The accused stands with hands spread — forbidden to touch anything.
The Nganga pours the powder into water.
A curse is spoken:
“If you are a witch, let this drink be your end.”
The crowd watches.
Some pray for innocence.
Some pray for proof.
This is not ancient history.
This is Africa, now.
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