Year: 1952 Source: African Studies, v.6, no.3, (1952), p.118-122 SIEC No: 19911387

The author argues that another type of suicide, identified as Samsonic suicide, exists in Africa. However, unlike Samson, whose suicide was one of revenge where by killing himself, he killed his enemies, African suicides of revenge do not necessarily involve the destruction of one’s enemies with the destruction of oneself. Many occur because the suicide believes his ghost will torment his enemies or because he knows that his society will inflict penalties upon his enemies. Examples are given.