It certainly does not adequately explain how such a transformation can occur within the span of a generation. Even if an underlying belief in the power of sorcery was always part of the culture, how does that transform into violence. Siegel does explain that fear is a tremendous motivator, causing people to lash out against perceived problems in society, hoping to eliminate perceived threats. However, it still feels like there is an unexplained logic leap between a belief that there are witches in existence and that they are relatively harmless...

However, maybe the fact that this logical step appears to be missing is not surprising; the same logical leap appears to be missing in explanations about the Salem witch trials, in information about the Inquisition, and in other information about persecution of witches. Perhaps one must share those cultural beliefs to understand how acceptance can so readily turn to fear.
References

Siegel, J. (2006). Naming the Witch. Stanford: Stanford University Press.