Google news picked up a report by the New York Times written by Daniel Lewis regarding Spanish physican Mario Zarza Manresa who was reportedly kidnapped in the Democratic Republic of Congo and forcibly removed of all his hair.
A Congolese government minister confirmed the actions taken against Dr. Manresa saying all of his hair (head and body hair) was shaved off in the hope it would provide magic powers in battle.
Congolese Information Minister said Zarza Manresa, who was in the country as a tourist, had been "shaved completely by Ibrahim (a rebel leader) who believes in magical fetishes made with head hair and body hair of whites.
The Spanish Foreign Ministry confirmed Saturday the doctor, who was traveling through the vast Central African nation, had been kidnapped. Dr. Manresa was seized on April 1 while traveling down the Congo River on a boat that was overrun by rebels.
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.
Fishermen in the area had seen the doctor and said he was well even though all of his hair had been removed.
More Information
Please follow me on Twitter at: http://Twitter.com/HairBoutique. I look forward to meeting new people from all walks of Twitter and learning from their Tweets. Visit us at Hairboutique.com located at: http://www.HairBoutique.com, on Facebook, MySpace and YouTube.
Thank you for visiting us at The HairBoutique Blog and for leaving your comments. They are very much appreciated. We apologize in advance but must remove any direct advertisements or solicitations.
Please follow us on Twitter at: https://Twitter.com/HairBoutique. I look forward to meeting new people from all walks of Twitter and learning from their Tweets.