Superstition in the Congo

Rebels in Democratic Republic of Congo have kidnapped a Spanish doctor and shaved off all his body hair in the hope it will give them magic powers in battle, according to a Congolese government minister. The Spanish Foreign Ministry confirmed that Mario Zarza Manresa, a doctor who was travelling through the vast Central African nation, had been kidnapped. Mr Zarza Manresa was seized while travelling down the Congo River on a boat that was overrun by rebels. Congolese Information Minister said that Zarza Manresa had been shaved completely by Ibrahim (a rebel leader) who believes in magical fetishes made with hair and body hair of whites. Gunmen from Congo's plethora of rebel and pro-government armed groups often adorn themselves with trinkets or traditional garments before heading into battle, in the belief that they will protect them from the bullets of the enemy. Some believe wearing fetishes will turn bullets into water.