This is heartbreaking and infuriating. Reading about Boniface Mgala and so many others who were beaten or killed because of baseless rumours shows how deadly misinformation can be when it meets fear, social breakdown and a lack of trust in institutions. A few points that matter: social media platforms absolutely have a responsibility to stop viral content that incites violence — rapid takedowns, local-language fact checks and better moderation in these regions are not optional. At the same time, governments and local authorities must protect people, investigate and prosecute mob violence, and rebuild trust so communities don’t take justice into their own hands. We also can’t dismiss the cultural context — beliefs about witchcraft are real and deeply rooted for many communities — but that doesn’t justify lynching. The right approach is respectful, community-led education, working with local leaders, faith groups and traditional healers to counter rumours, combined with accessible mental-health and trauma support for survivors and families. Finally, long-term solutions mean investing in media literacy, stronger public services, and economic opportunities so fear and desperation are less likely to be exploited by those who spread panic for profit or power. Solidarity with the victims and a demand for accountability are the minimum we should expect.