The population of Great Soppo, Buea, is yet to come to terms after a well-known woman in the community, popularly referred to as “Mami Whitney,” offered a controversial wedding gift to a couple on Saturday.
This happened during a wedding reception where Mami Whitney presented a gift to the couple.
However, the joyous occasion took a dark turn when the couple, while opening gifts on the spot, revealed a mutilated teddy bear with its neck, one arm, and one leg severed.
The unusual nature of the gift immediately raised suspicions, prompting guests to question Mami Whitney about its significance.
She refused to offer any explanation.
Out of respect for the wedding celebration, the matter was not pursued further, and the event continued without disruption.
However, the incident would take a more dramatic twist the following day.
Allegations of Witchcraft Surface
Early morning on Sunday, December 15, an agitated crowd descended on Mami Whitney’s residence, demanding an explanation for her strange gift.
Despite intense questioning, she remained silent.
Matters escalated when some members of the community searched her home, uncovering disturbing items hidden under her bed.
Among the findings were:
children’s clothing, including socks, underwear, and collars.
Personal items such as passports reported missing by community members.
Broken dolls and other unusual objects tied up in a suspicious manner.
These discoveries shocked the community, with some residents identifying the items as belonging to their missing children.
The allegations of witchcraft gained momentum as anger and fear spread through the crowd.
A Confession Under Pressure
Under mounting pressure and threats from the enraged crowd, who had already prepared to burn her alive if she did not confess, Mami Whitney finally admitted to engaging in witchcraft.
She expressed regret and promised to release her alleged victims at 5 pm that evening in a location called Kwakwa, in Kumba.
To prevent mob justice, law enforcement officers intervened and took Mami Whitney into protective custody.
Her child also arrived at the scene, pleading for calm and assuring the community that Mami Whitney would fulfil her promise to release those she had allegedly “tied spiritually.”
Devil in Angel’s Cloak?
The revelations about Mami Whitney left many in the community reeling.
Known as a jovial and approachable figure, she was a regular at Catholic Church Small Soppo, actively participating in church activities.
She was also a familiar face at local weddings, often bearing gifts for the couple.
Despite appearing financially stable, with family abroad, a personal doctor from Yaoundé, and a lawyer, she often solicited money from neighbors under the pretext of contributing to church activities.
Tensions Remain High
By 5 pm on Sunday, over 10 people gathered at Kwakwa, anticipating Mami Whitney’s appearance.
However, she failed to show up, with her child claiming she was unwell and unable to attend.
They promised she would fulfill her commitment on Monday at the same location.
Frustration began to mount among the crowd, with many suspecting a deliberate delay to allow her to escape justice.
Some residents issued warnings, threatening to burn her house if she did not appear as promised.
A Community on Edge
This incident has left Buea’s residents grappling with fear, anger, and disbelief.
Many are questioning how a respected figure could harbor such dark secrets.
At press time, the woman was yet to undo the charms as promised.
