Richard Hoskins

Both fascinating and horrifying.

As a result of his expertise in African religions and ritualistic sacrifices, Richard Hoskins has been called to testify in a number of cases of murder and abuse in British courts. The torso of a young African boy, found in the Thames in 2002, was the first indication that these horrific practices were taking place in London. The child had been drained of blood and cut in a precise manner, suggestive of sacrifice. More cases have come to light in subsequent years, indicating that this is a serious problem, not only in Britain, but throughout the world.

Richard Hoskins originally went to live in The Congo as a young man. His twin daughters were born there and one died very young. When the second daughter started to become sick, it was suggested that he should sacrifice a chicken or goat to save her from the call of her twin, from beyond the grave. Sadly the second daughter died too, but this event resulted in Mr Hoskins becoming aware of the practice of sacrifice. Also known as kindoki, this has subsequently developed into a much more extreme version and it is no longer just chickens or goats that are sacrificed. Extremist African churches are starving, beating and abusing young children who have been accused of witchcraft. Sometimes this may be because of some behaviour of the child, sometimes because a relative becomes sick and the child is blamed. Either way the accusations and their solutions are beyond belief.

In his book, Richard Hoskins describes those early years in The Congo. He explains how the boy's torso was discovered and the phorensic work that followed it. He takes us through several court cases and other instances where these extreme religious views have resulted in the suffering of innocents. Although it is very well written, it is not an easy book to read. However, these practices are now no longer hidden in the dark; as detectives become aware that these things occur, so other children can be saved from following in their footsteps.
An eyeopening book, highly recommended.… (plus d'informations)