Two Omanis asphyxiated in a sorcery ritual

Muscat: Poisonous smoke at a sorcery ritual asphyxiated two Omanis and four fell unconscious, according to a Royal Oman Police (ROP) press release on Friday.

“The squads from Al Khodh Police Station rushed to the house in South Mabellah suburb, 40km north to old Muscat town, when we received a call from a citizen that he heard weird noises and loud screams from a neighbouring house,” a spokesman for ROP said.

He added that an African national was caught from the scene of the incident for practicing sorcery and black magic. “There were seven people in the house, including two women,” he added.

“We also confiscated books, incense, herbs, candles and solutions used in practicing the black magic,” the spokesman added.

“The smoke created by burning incense, mixed with poisonous herbs, suffocated the inmates in the house, causing death of the two,” he added.

The four, who lost consciousness, were taken to Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and Royal Hospital.

The case had been referred to the Public Prosecution for further investigation.