The Satanic panic is a moral panic about alleged widespread Satanic ritual abuse which originated around the 1980s in the United States, peaking in the early 1990s, before waning as a result of scepticism of academics and law enforcement agencies who ultimately debunked the claims.[1][2][3] The phenomenon spread from the United States to other countries, including South Africa,[3][4][5] where it is still evident periodically.[6][7][8] South Africa was particularly associated with the Satanic panic because of the creation of the Occult Related Crimes Unit in 1992, described as the "world's only 'ritual murder' task force". According to anthropologist Annika Teppo, this was linked with powerful conservative Christian forces within the then-dominant white community in the last years of apartheid. Christian belief is a prerequisite to serve in the unit. The concern with the alleged presence of Satanism and occult practices has continued into the post-apartheid era.
- ^ Victor, Jeffrey S. (1993). Satanic Panic: The Creation of a Contemporary Legend (4th print. ed.). Chicago: Open Court. ISBN 9780812691924.
- ^ Jenkins, Phillip (1992). "Investigating Occult and Ritual Crime: A Case for Caution" (PDF). Police Forum. 2 (1). Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences: 1–7. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 December 2013. Retrieved 2 May 2013.
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duVenagewas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Davis, Rebecca (23 April 2013). "Analysis: Is moralising helpful to the gender agenda?". Daily Maverick. Retrieved 28 April 2013.
On Monday, addressing the multi-party caucus, Xingwana also pointed to the 'growing' number of teenagers who choose to 'serve Satan' as one potential cause of gender-based violence. While there was a case last month of a teenage girl stabbed to death in Randfontein as part of what was alleged to be a 'satanic attack', such incidents are thought to be extremely rare in South Africa, though every now and then hysteria rises on the subject.
- ^ Cole, Barbara (26 March 2013). "Education MEC asks for help as 'Satanic panic' grips schools". Daily News. Retrieved 28 April 2013.