Genital theft accusations: How social media fuelled rumours that turned deadly

False online claims asserting that a simple tap on the shoulder can cause a man’s genitals to shrink or disappear have sparked a deadly wave of mob violence, according to reporting by the BBC Global Disinformation Unit and BBC Africa. The worst-hit country during the outbreak has been Mozambique, where police reported in May that 55 people had been killed over a six-week period.

Attacks Target Healthcare Workers and Civilians in Mozambique

The victims in Mozambique included a police officer, health workers, and civil servants, according to police statements. In Cabo Delgado province, two healthcare workers were attacked at their home and workplace in April. The violence forced health facilities in the affected areas to close for weeks as authorities launched public awareness campaigns to counter the rumours.

Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo publicly condemned the widespread rumours and resulting deaths. He stated that the claims were entirely false and that the government had found no medical evidence to suggest anyone had lost a part of their body.

Survivors Describe Mob Violence and Social Media Amplification

In Tanzania, mechanic Boniface Mgala and a friend experienced the violent reality of the trend in April in Tunduma. According to Mr Mgala, they were pulled out of a restaurant by a huge crowd.

“They were shouting that we had stolen someone’s genitals and we didn’t have any way to escape because there was a huge crowd,”

Boniface Mgala, Tanzanian mechanic

Mr Mgala sustained severe beatings that caused him to lose consciousness, leaving him with visible scars on his chin and a missing tooth. Author Julien Bonhomme, who wrote The Sex Thieves: The Anthropology of a Rumor, notes that smartphones and social media make these claims spread faster, reach larger audiences, and become harder to control. He explains that modern digital platforms allow people to see distressed men claiming the theft has occurred or watch crowds respond to accusations, making unverified claims appear more believable than in past outbreaks.

Regional Spread and Platform Responses

The recent wave of rumours originated last year in the Democratic Republic of Congo, echoing similar claims that surfaced there in 2008. Beyond Mozambique and Tanzania, the violence has also reached Kenya, where five people were killed by mobs in the coastal counties of Kwale and Mombasa after incidents were reported beginning in July.

Government health campaigns have suggested that some of the fears may be linked to Koro syndrome, a mental illness recognized as missing or genital retraction hysteria. Meanwhile, online platforms have faced scrutiny over content promoting these myths. A Meta spokesperson told the BBC that the company is reviewing content shared with them and will take action against violations, while TikTok has not responded to requests for comment.