DAR ES SALAAM, July 9 -- IT might look trivial at first glance, but the Police deserve commendation for issuing a warning that merits serious public attention. Too many vulnerable people continue to fall prey to unscrupulous traditional and alternative medicine practitioners who exploit desperation, spread fear and sometimes create conflict within families. Such practices have no place in a modern society striving for peace, security and development.

Poverty, illness, unemployment and domestic challenges often leave people searching for hope wherever they can find it. Unfortunately, some dishonest practitioners take advantage of these hardships by making extraordinary promises, demanding large payments and convincing clients that every m...