Popo Bawa

In Tanzania, many sexual attacks are being blamed on a "bat demon" that goes by the way of Popo Bawa

The being turns from a bat into a man at night and..well attacks

link goes to story

This is probably the first time that I've heard of a cryptid raping people
especially of both genders...

Interesting, eh?

The story goes that the bat is able to transform itself into a man at night and it has also been blamed for rapes of women

I dont understand why you think it also rapes men, i cant find that in the article? It obviously is just likely a group of men who hide behind supersition and folklore as a disguise to rape women. Pathetic

from the article:

Some men are staying awake or sleeping in groups outside their homes. Others are smearing themselves with pig's oil, believing this repels attacks.

why would men be going through protective measures if "Popo Bawa" isn't supposedly attacking them?

The article does seem to suggest that the men are sleeping outside to avoid "sexual attacks". But as I read the article, I was wondering if perhaps the men are afraid of penis snatching. I am not saying that to be funny, there are some mythical creatures in Africsa that are said to snatch the penis of their victims.

Reminds me of a South African mythical creature - the tokkelosh - which also has a very strong sexual connotation, and are also known for raping women. (South Africa and Tanzania is about 800 kms/500 miles apart) The description differs a bit though. I wonder if such creatures are "created" to hide the identity of men that actually raped women, or maybe there's something more sinister to it?

Originally posted by Gemwolf
Reminds me of a South African mythical creature - the tokkeloshI wonder if such creatures are "created" to hide the identity of men that actually raped women, or maybe there's something more sinister to it?

Good point. I was thinking the same thing. Makes you wonder if sexual offenders actually increase their rapings, due to now having a cover...