Police and medical authorities in Tanzania have consistently addressed and debunked a recurring urban myth involving fears of individuals with supernatural powers to steal or shrink male genitalia through touch. This phenomenon, often referred to locally as 'genital theft' or 'kupandishwa' (being made to disappear), has sparked public panic, mob violence, and vigilante attacks in various regions, including Dar es Salaam, over multiple decades.
Official statements, including those from the Tanzania Police Force and the Ministry of Health, attribute the physical sensations reported by alleged victims to psychological conditions, specifically mass psychogenic illness or conversion disorder, where psychological stress manifests as physical symptoms. Medical experts confirm there is no scientific basis for the magical removal or shrinkage of genitalia.
Despite these clarifications, the belief persists, fueled by superstition and misinformation. Authorities have urged the public to rely on medical and police reports instead of rumors, warning that mob justice against suspected 'thieves' is a criminal act. Similar panics have been documented in other African and Asian countries, often linked to social tensions.
