The Tragic Case of Janet Moses

• 💔 In October 2007, 22-year-old Janet Moses died in Wainuiomata, New Zealand, during a ritualistic exorcism known as a 'mākutu lifting'.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Janet was a loving mother of two, part of a close-knit Māori family deeply connected to their culture and traditions.
• 😔 Her mental and emotional state deteriorated significantly after the death of her grandmother and a difficult relationship with her partner, Shane.

Cultural Beliefs and Misguided Rituals

• 🌀 The family, distrustful of Western medicine, believed Janet was suffering from 'mākutu', an evil spirit or curse, rather than mental illness.
• 🦁 A stolen lion statue, a symbol of family pride, was believed to have cursed Janet, leading the family to return it to appease the spirit.
• 🗣️ Guided by an uncle acting as a 'tohunga' (a spiritual medium), the family attempted to drive out the 'mākutu' through a prolonged ritual.

Escalation and Fatal Outcome

• 💧 The ritual involved extensive chanting, prayer, and the pouring of large amounts of water, escalating to extreme measures.
• 🥶 Janet was subjected to freezing cold water, forced to drink excessive amounts, and held down by family members.
• ⚠️ Despite pleas and signs of distress, the family interpreted Janet's struggles as the 'mākutu' fighting back, leading to her drowning.

Legal Ramifications and Cultural Sensitivity

• ⚖️ Nine family members were charged with manslaughter and cruelty to a child, but the trial highlighted the complexities of cultural beliefs and legal proceedings in New Zealand.
• 🚫 The court acknowledged cultural sensitivity but found the family's actions deviated significantly from authentic Māori practices, lacking a supervising tohunga.
• 🏡 The house where the tragedy occurred was demolished, and while some family members received community service and cultural education, no one served prison time, a decision that sparked public debate.

Lingering Questions and Reflections

• 🤔 The case raises questions about the intersection of mental illness, cultural beliefs, and the potential for mass hysteria to lead to tragic outcomes.
• 💔 Many family members continue to believe the 'mākutu' curse is active, viewing Janet's death as only the beginning.