Category Archives: Limpopo Province

South Africa: EFF leader Julius Malema condemns ritual killings ahead of local government elections

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The controversial South African politician Julius Malema is the founder and leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a black nationalist political party that adheres to communist principles and goals. The EFF is the fourth-largest party in the National Assembly. Julius Malema hails from Limpopo Province, where he was born in 1981. After the passing of his mother, a single parent, he was raised by his grandmother.

On Tuesday, February 24, during a joint session of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, he made a number of attention-grabbing statements which can’t surprise since coming from the mouth of an – orally gifted – opposition politician. While Malema didn’t spend many words on ‘muti murders’, he was clear in his condemnation of them. The connection he made with local government elections is no coincidence, even though we must realize that he was primarily speaking as an opposition politician. South Africa isn’t the first or only SSA country where political elections are accompanied by an increase in ritual killings. Sadly, the existence of a link between politics and ritual murder is a reality in a number of African countries.

For the sake of clarity, I want to emphasize here that this last comment should not be interpreted as an accusation against all politicians and political candidates. I’ve said before on this site that we must be careful not to generalize.

But we cannot deny reality either.
(webmaster FVDK)

South Africa: opposition politician and EFF leader Julius Malema condemns ritual killings ahead of local government elections

EFF leader Julius Malema warned President Cyril Ramaphosa, condemning ritual killings (image: EFF)

Published: around February 24, 2026
By: Simon Majadibodu – The Mercury, South Africa

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has sent a stern warning to President Cyril Ramaphosa, saying that as long as the red berets remain in Parliament, the Phala Phala scandal “will never die.”

Malema made the remarks during a joint sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces on Tuesday afternoon, as MPs debated Ramaphosa’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The debate will continue on Wednesday at 2pm, with the president expected to reply on Thursday at 2pm.

“Mr President, we warned you eight years ago that the Oppenheimers and the Rupperts would neutralise you, and your legacy would be that you auctioned our country and its strategic assets to the highest bidder. You did not heed our warning,” Malema said.

“You have auctioned our sovereignty to asset management companies such as BlackRock, which is why you have praised the growth of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).”

Malema accused Ramaphosa of selling state infrastructure, including ports, railways, and energy generation capacity, to the private sector, and warned that water could be next.

He said the president had failed to take responsibility for creating jobs.

“You do not take responsibility for fighting crime. You do not take responsibility for infrastructure development, and you do not take responsibility for growing our economy,” he said.

“There is no sign of any infrastructure for a bullet train, no design plans for a smart city, and not even a curriculum for the institution of higher learning in Ekurhuleni, as you promised.”

Malema said, “You asked us to send you Thumamina, and we made a mistake. And as your term of office comes to an end, you have nothing to show for it.”

He criticised Ramaphosa’s handling of crime, saying that deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to Gauteng and the Western Cape is a last resort.

“You are admitting that you have failed to fight crime. The people of Gauteng have been terrorised for too long by the so-called Zama-Zamas, and on the deployment of the army, we have no choice but to support you, because you have destroyed law enforcement capacity.”

Malema questioned whether the military, weakened by austerity measures and humiliated abroad, could tackle crime domestically.

“Our concern is, how do you deploy a military which has been crippled by austerity measures to fight crime? Because we know that our military is under-strained and under-resourced, and has been humiliated in war zones abroad. How do you intend to ensure they can fight crime domestically?”

He noted that the army is trained for combat, not civilian law enforcement.

“The scale of crime in our country cannot be dealt with by the army alone, because crime is a national crisis and a social crisis. If we do not resolve the challenges of unemployment, alcohol and substance abuse, and the high drop-out rates of youth from schools, then crime will be a permanent feature in our society.”

“Crime in South Africa is organised through drug syndicates, protection fee rings, sex trafficking rings, and gangs. It has infiltrated all forms of government, and putting guns in the streets alone will not resolve this crisis,” Malema said.

He added that the root of the problem in the criminal justice system begins with Ramaphosa’s own political party.

“The biggest syndicate is the political party you are leading, Mr President… Mr President, subjectively, this government has done nothing to grow this economy or to strengthen our courage.”

Malema said it was important to remind Ramaphosa of his own commitments.

“Last year, on this same platform, you committed to grow the economy by 3% through infrastructure investment, structural reforms, and inclusive growth and employment.”

“You no longer speak of this figure, and the National Treasury itself predicts economic growth at 1.5%, and will most likely revise this projection downward as the year progresses, because that is their tradition.”

He said Ramaphosa presents a budget surplus as a positive economic indicator, but this reflects austerity rather than progress.

“Why would you be proud of a budget surplus in a country with massive unemployment, collapsing municipal infrastructure, and poverty which is leading to the death of children in the Eastern Cape?

”Your pride when it comes to EPWP jobs is something you should be ashamed of and not mention at this level of governance. Those are temporary jobs which are used to secure income for volunteers of your political party.”

Malema criticised the insecurity of Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) jobs.

“It enslaves jobs with no security because it cannot secure a car or a home with an EPWP job.”

He said the electricity crisis in South Africa is far from over.

“The mistake you are making in declaring an end to the electricity crisis is the same mistake you have made with the water crisis for decades in this country.”

“Now that the people of Sandhurst no longer experience an electricity outage, you no longer view it as a crisis, forgetting the people of Soweto, Mdantsane, Seychelles, and Ditsobotla.”

He claimed Ramaphosa had given load shedding a new name: “load reduction.”

“On top of that, you have lost control of the pricing regime of electricity, and Nersa is announcing an increase in the cost of electricity every few months.

“Your municipalities do not have an idea of the infrastructure they are seized with governing. It does not matter how many billions of rands you give them to revive water infrastructure.”

Malema said ministers and mayors lacked knowledge of town planning and water infrastructure.

“The fact of the matter is your minister and your mayors do not know the town planning of where water infrastructure begins and where it ends. This is why they respond to burst pipes and leakages as they happen and run after one pipe to the other.”

He praised EFF MMC for water in Ekurhuleni, Thembi Msane, who has been declared a “water champion.”

“When your minister (Pemmy Majodina) was running around complaining about water, our MMC of water in Ekurhuleni was given an award the same week and declared a water champion.”

“Instead of benchmarking from the DA, which struggles to provide clean water to people in the city, go and benchmark from the EFF department in Ekurhuleni on how to fix the water crisis.”

Malema said municipalities will not be fixed unless the equitable share model is revised.

“The idea that all municipalities can be self-reliant on revenue generation when you preside over a country that is massively de-industrialising and suffering massive unemployment is misguided.”

He called for stronger municipal capacity and recovery of revenue from major industries, offering incentives to industries for investing in municipal infrastructure.

Malema said the EFF supports Ramaphosa’s posture on international relations, including support for Palestine, Western Sahara, South Sudan, and Cuba.

“We agree with you that Africa must begin to negotiate its trade relations as a bloc and with unity, and that no nation must ever think it has the right to bully us and impose on us who our friends must be and who our enemies must be.”

He condemned xenophobic violence and ritual killings ahead of local government elections. (italics and bold letter-type added by the webmaster FVDK).

“They must ask their friends who came here with the name of killing foreigners. They did not win elections. Xenophobia will never win elections, and some of them are found in your cabinet.”

Malema urged Ramaphosa to take concrete action against Israel.

“You must exhibit your courage by closing the Israeli embassy, which is a resolution of this nationalism. You have declared their representative persona non grata, and the skies did not fall. Close their embassy and cut relations with this genocidal nation.”

He criticised the US diplomat, calling the appointment “rampant racism” and asserting the country has the right to refuse cooperation.

Malema said the Phalaphala scandal had rendered Ramaphosa ineffective in dealing with corruption and incompetence.

“When Dr Zweli Mkhize was found to be involved in a digital pipe scandal, you did not have the courage to remove him. He resigned. Today, Zweli Mkhize is chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

“While David Masondo was identified as being a key part of corruption in the State Security Agency by the Zondo Commission, you did not remove him. Today he is Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation.”

He also criticised the handling of suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina, accusing Ramaphosa of creating task teams instead of exercising consequence management.

“If you have the courage to remove her, remove her now so that you demonstrate that you’ve got the courage.”

Malema slammed Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi for suggesting citizens shower at hotels during water outages.

However, Lesufi later apologised.

“When you assumed office, you claimed it would be a transparent presidency, then proceeded to sell CR17 documents of your campaign and block investigations on Phalaphala. Where’s the transparency?”

“Let me reassure you, Mr President: as long as the EFF is alive and in Parliament, Phalaphala will never die.”

The EFF has long called for the Constitutional Court to release its delayed judgment on the Phalaphala matter, accusing the judiciary of undermining constitutional supremacy.

The party centres on the 2020 theft of an estimated R10 million from Ramaphosa’s farm and the alleged unlawful cover-up, arguing that delays in the impeachment-related case heard in November 2024 have eroded public confidence in the judiciary.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za 

IOL Politics 

Source: Malema warns Ramaphosa Phala Phala scandal ‘will never die’

South Africa: Sangomas strongly condemn ritual killings (‘muti murders’) and the abuse of women and children

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Traditional healers Mandla Lekhuleni popularly known as Prof Lekhuleni, Rei Magoxa Mozambique and Sefadi Mohami are to be commended for their outspoken condemnation of ritualistic violence, muti murders and sexual abuse of women and children. Likewise, police sergeant Nomsa Katekani Macevele did a great job in bringing to justice an unscrupulous father who violated and raped his own daughter.

It is hearthening to realize that we should not tar all sangomas with the same brush. It is never correct to generalize!

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the article below also establishes beyond any doubt that South Africa and South Africans face a harsh reality: sexual violence, accusations of witchcraft, child mutilation, human sacrifice and muti murder are no exception in this southern African country whereas in some case sangomas play a perverse role in these heinous crimes. The present site contains numerous examples proving this observation to be correct. (NB Use the dropdown menu under ‘African countries’ to access all posts on South Africa).
(webmaster FVDK)

Sangomas strongly condemn abuse as Limpopo father raped teenage daughter after rituals at a grave

Published: March 2, 2026
By: Jonisayi Maromo – IOL, South Africa

Traditional healers Mandla Lekhuleni popularly known as Prof Lekhuleni, Rei Magoxa Mozambique and fellow traditional healer Sefadi Mohami during a gathering in Ekangala, City of Tshwane, where they united in condemning muthi murders, ritual killings and the abuse of women and children, saying such acts have no place in African traditional healing. (Image: Jonisayi Maromo/ IOL)

The Malamulele Regional in Limpopo court has imposed a life-term imprisonment against a 44 year-old man who was accused of raping his 17-year-old biological daughter at Matiyani village.

Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said on 20 September 2023 at about 5 pm, the victim was at home with her parents when her father decided to take her to a graveyard to perform rituals at her grandfather’s grave.

The name of the rapist father is withheld to protect the identity of the abused child from secondary victimisation.

“On their arrival at the graveyard, the accused (father) performed the rituals and finished in the evening at about 21:00. Afterward, the duo retreated to their residence, and while walking in the bushes, the accused grabbed his daughter and suddenly raped her,” said Ledwaba.

“Following the horrendous act, the victim was threatened and instructed not to tell anyone about the incident.”

After a year of silence, the abused teenager ultimately revealed the ordeal to her uncle’s wife in February 2024.

The incident was reported to the local police and immediately transferred to the Giyani family violence, child protection and sexual offences (FCS) unit.

“Sergeant Nomsa Katekani Macevele was assigned to investigate the matter, and through her indefatigable efforts, the 44 year-old male accused was apprehended the next day on 20 February 2024,” said Ledwaba.

Macevele successfully opposed bail until the accused father was sentenced to life-term imprisonment by the Malamulele Regional Court on Tuesday. Police in Limpopo have welcomed the harsh sentence.

Provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe (Image: SAPS)

Last month, IOL reported that South Africa has for decades grappled with the scourge of child mutilation and abuse cases in which body parts, especially those of children, are used in brutal rituals purported to enhance wealth or bring good fortune. (Also see my January 13, 2026 post on this article – webmaster FVDK)

In some instances, children are sexually abused as part of so-called rituals falsely believed to provide healing or prosperity for the perpetrator.

Traditional healers, commonly known as sangomas, are often implicated in these heinous acts. Some have been arrested by the South African Police Service, while others have been attacked by community members when such incidents come to light.

In August last year, IOL reported that two additional suspects, including a sangoma, were arrested for the brutal murder of a 34-year-old Limpopo mother and her two-year-old daughter. The pair had been reported missing in May, triggering an extensive search. (Also see my August 9, 2025 post on this article – webmaster FVDK).

Against this backdrop, IOL travelled to Ekangala, and spoke to sangoma Mandla Lekhuleni, popularly known as Prof Lekhuleni, on the sidelines of a traditional celebration attended by healers from South Africa and Mozambique. (Also see my January 13, 2026 post on this article – webmaster FVDK)

“Speaking the truth does not break any friendship or a spaza shop. Those people using body parts of children or albinos — that is a crime. There is no such thing. Since I started practising, I was never taught that if you want money or your business to grow, you must kill someone or use human blood. That is 100% criminal,” he said.

He rejected claims that human sacrifice or abuse of women and children forms part of African traditional healing.

Traditional healer Mandla Lekhuleni popularly known as Prof Lekhuleni, condemned muthi murders, ritual killings and the abuse of women and children, saying such acts have no place in African traditional healing.
(Image: Jonisayi Maromo/ IOL)

“I hear people saying sangomas use human sacrifices to make people rich. That is not what I learnt or what my gobela taught me. I was taught to go to the mountains, to rivers, to dig and collect medicine from nature — herbs that help uplift a person who is down,” he said.

Traditional medicine and rituals are widely believed across South Africa and in Africa to help cure illnesses or improve people’s livelihoods. Lekhuleni, who has a large social media following, regularly shares content about traditional healing practices.

“In my indumba (traditional room where a sangoma practices), you will never find even a small human bone. Killing someone to make another person rich is not African traditional medicine. African traditional medicine uses herbs, sometimes combined with iziwasho ,” he said.

“That is pure criminality, and I am willing to assist the police. Wherever such so-called traditional healers are found, I will work with the police to ensure they are arrested and never practise again. They must never see the light of day.”

Lekhuleni said traditional healers across the Southern African Development Community were increasingly alarmed by the rise in so-called muthi murders and were working together to combat the practice.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

Source: Sangomas strongly condemn abuse as Limpopo father raped teenage daughter after rituals at a grave

South Africa: superstition in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province – ‘vampire’ who attacks old lady killed by angry mob

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Warning: the following story and accompanying photo may upset people because of their graphic nature (FVDK).

I post the following article ‘as it is‘: I have virtually no comments – neither do I confirm the truthfulness of the incident reported nor do I present or suggest my belief in the superstition which forms the base and background of the alleged act, bizarre as it is.

Interesting though (and justifying its inclusion on this site) is the reference to a 2015 study of ritual murders in Vhembe, South Africa. Vhembe is situated in the Northern part of Limpopo Province, sharing borders with Zimbabwe in the north, Mozambique through Kruger National Park in the east and Botswana in the north west. Limpopo Province is notoriously known for its ritualistic murders and superstition.

Map of Limpopo Province with municipalities and districts. Source: Map of municipalities in Limpopo –

Reportedly, Dr Alunamutwe Enos Randitsheni wrote a thesis on ritual murders – ‘muti’ murders – while doing his PhD at the University of Venda, and actually said that evil people who believed in such weird practices, such as sucking out someone’s blood, did in fact exist. (italics added by the webmaster FVDK).

“They don’t only exist in Vhembe, but they exist all over the world, and most of them perform these rituals for various reasons but mostly for personal gains,” Dr Dr Alunamutwe Enos Randitsheni alleged, adding that the Tshivenda name for such people was madzhavhathu (cannibals). According to Dr Alunamutwe Enos Randitsheni, most victims are women, children, and people living with albinism.
(FVDK)

‘Vampire’ who attacks old lady killed by angry mob

Published: June 7, 2024
By: Zoutnet, South Africa

A wave of fear and panic has gripped Vhembe District as reports of alleged vampire attacks have surfaced, leading to tragic and violent responses from local communities. In a recent shocking incident, a man accused of being a vampire was beaten to death and burnt by residents of Shikunduville in the Saselamani area.

The tragedy unfolded on Sunday, 26 May, when a man, after reportedly biting an elderly woman on the mouth in Shikunduville, was accused of being a vampire. The woman’s screams for help drew the attention of other members of the community, who rushed to her aid. In their attempt to rescue the victim, the crowd turned their fury on the alleged attacker.

Despite their assault, the man continued his attack, displaying unusual resistance to the beating. The escalating violence culminated in the community’s beating him to death and subsequently burning his body. The traumatic event has left the residents of Shikunduville deeply unsettled and fearful.

The chairperson of the SANCO branch in Saselamani B, Mr Solomon Mathonsi, said the community was still living in fear. “I was at church that Sunday, so I did not see the incident as it unfolded. I was told that the deceased, who worked at a local farm, was going to send money to his family in Mozambique when he started fighting with one of his relatives. He ran away and tried to get inside a neighbour’s house, and a dog attacked him, which forced him to run to another neighbour. He allegedly threatened her that he would bite her and rape her. He attacked her severely, injuring her face, and she looks scary now. Her mouth looks like it is about to be removed, and she appears as if she was attacked by a vicious animal. When the mob was fighting against him, he was roaring like an animal. He looked like he was possessed by evil spirits. We are now left in fear, both young and old,” he said.

According to the police spokesperson in Vhembe, W/O Vuledzani Dathi, the police in Saselamani opened a murder docket after a 29-year-old man was allegedly killed by the community in Shikunduville. He confirmed that the man had been accused of attacking an elderly woman on Sunday, 26 May.

“The police went to house no. 401 in Shikunduville and found the owner, Mr Sam Maceke. The deceased was lying on the ground, wearing black shorts and a black T-shirt. He had injuries on the face and legs. He was tied up with a rope. Mr Maceke told the police that his mother, old lady Nwajaki Priscinah Chauke, was bitten on the mouth by an unknown male person.”

Dathi said the community members had assaulted the male person and tied him up with a rope. “He died at the scene of the crime. He was later identified as Surprise Maluleke of Maineville, a Mozambican with no passport or legal documents. He is said to have been born around 1995. He was taken to Tshilidzini Hospital’s Forensic Pathology department. No arrests have been made so far, and anyone who can assist the police in apprehending the culprits may contact the investigating officer, Sgt Gunguva, on 082 664 6843,” Dathi said.

A 30-second video of old lady Nwajaki Priscinah Chauke narrating how she was attacked started circulating on social media on Wednesday, 29 May. In the footage, Chauke, who can be seen sitting down, wearing a yellow ANC T-shirt and drinking water, said, “He did this to me because he was roaming around my yard. When I asked him what he was looking for, he quickly turned, pushed me, and got inside my house,” she said, speaking in Xitsonga.

The injured lady is currently recovering from her wounds at home.

The incident incited a lot of fear among community members in Vhembe, with many wondering whether creatures such as vampires really exist in Vhembe.

Dr Alunamutwe Enos Randitsheni, who based his thesis on ritual murders in Vhembe while he was doing his PhD at the University of Venda in 2015, said that, during his investigation, he had found that evil people who believed in such weird practices, such as sucking out someone’s blood, did in fact exist.

“They don’t only exist in Vhembe, but they exist all over the world, and most of them perform these rituals for various reasons but mostly for personal gains,” he said. He said the Tshivenda name for such people was madzhavhathu (cannibals).

He added that most of their victims were women, children, and people living with albinism.

The old lady, Nwajaki Priscinah Chauke, who was attacked by an alleged vampire at Shikunduville. 
Photo: Video screen shot.

Source: ‘Vampire’ who attacks old lady killed by angry mob

Limpopo province, South Africa: 18-year-old teenager murdered, body parts missing, sangoma arrested

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Limpopo province is notorious for its ritualistic murders and feared disappearances. It is South Africa’s northernmost province and named after the Limpopo River.

The province’s main ethnic groups are the Pedi, the Tsonga and the Venda. Traditional leaders still hold an important position in society. The total population of about 5.5 million people is made up of a large black majority (96.5%) and small minorities of whites (2.5%), Indian or Asia (0.5%) and colored people (0.3%). (Source: Wikipedia.)

Sangomas or witch doctors are both respected and feared, and consulted by a large part of the population. Their role in the traditional treatment of an illness, to deal with evil spirits or to protect against witchcraft is undisputed and often requires as a sacrifice an animal or other forms.

An unknown number of sangomas are involved in criminal ritualistic activities and acts, notably ritual murder. Reportedly, this is the case with the sangoma arrested in Mokomene village in Botlokwa, Limpopo province, earlier this week. Read the gruesome story below. The authorities are to be commended for their swift action. It is not excluded that more arrests will follow.

Warning: The articles’ graphic details may upset readers (FVDK)

Teen’s body parts missing, sangoma bust!

A sangoma has been arrested for the brutal murder of Modjadji Thoka, who was found mutilated.

Published: January 18, 2024
By: Daily Sun – South Africa

LIMPOPO police arrested a sangoma in connection with the brutal murder of Modjadji Thoka (18).

The sangoma (30) was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday morning, 17 January at Mokomene Village in Botlokwa, Limpopo.

Modjadji went missing on Friday, 5 January, and her mutilated body was found on Monday, 8 January, at an advanced stage of decomposition with her body parts removed.

She was found with her head, legs, hands, private parts and breasts missing.

This left villagers in shock and fuming as they wanted to know who committed the gruesome act.

Limpopo police spokesman Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said cops in Botlokwa made a breakthrough following the arrest of a 30-year-old man who is linked to the murder of Modjadji, whose body was found in the Botlokwa policing area.

“Through an intensive investigation, the suspect allegedly took the team to the place where he buried the head of Modjadji and was immediately arrested for murder,” he said.

Ledwaba said the arrest comes after police were notified about the discovery of the body of a woman at an abandoned house, and upon arrival at the scene, they found the body of the woman in an advanced state of decomposition.

“Further investigations revealed that the body was dismembered,” he said.

The suspect will appear before the Morebeng Magistrates Court soon while police investigations continue. 

Acting provincial police commissioner Major-General Jan Scheepers praised the team for ensuring that the ruthless criminal is put behind bars.

“I also commend the community for providing crucial information. We are relieved that the suspect is arrested and expect more arrests,” said Scheepers.

Source: Teen’s body parts missing, sangoma bust!

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Traditional healer leads police to where he buried the head of 18-year-old girl after butchering her

The victim, 18-year-old Modjadji Niccol Thoka

Published: January 18, 2024
By: Linda Ikeji’s Blog

The police in South Africa have made a major breakthrough following the arrest of a 30-year-old Sangoma (traditional healer) who is linked to murder of an 18-year-old girl, Modjadji Niccol Thoka.  

Thoka’s lifeless body was found on the 8 January 2024, at Mokomene, Ga-Thoka village in Botlokwa policing area, Limpopo a few days after she went missing. 

She was found with several body parts missing, including her head, breasts, both hands and legs missing. Only her torso was discovered on the scene.  The incomplete body was only recognised by a family member after residents alerted them.   

According to police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, members of Provincial detectives and Botlokwa detectives activated an operation to trace and arrest the suspect. 

“In the early hours of Wednesday, 17 January 2024, the suspect was arrested at Mokomene village,” he said.  

“Through the intensive investigation the suspect allegedly took the team to the place where he buried the head of the deceased.  “He was immediately arrested for murder.

His arrest comes after Police were notified about the discovery of the lifeless body of a woman at an abandoned house.  

“Upon arrival at the scene, they found a body of the woman in an advanced state of decomposition. Further investigations, revealed that the body was dismembered,” Colonel Ledwaba added.   

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers has praised the Police team that ensured that this ruthless criminal is put behind bars.   

He further commended the community and Police collaboration that resulted in the providing of crucial information.  “We are now relieved that the suspect is arrested and expect more arrests,” concluded Major General Scheepers. 

The suspect will appear before Morebeng magistrate’s court soon.  The police investigations are still ongoing.

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Source: Traditional healer leads police to where he buried the head of 18-year-old girl after butchering her

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Teen (18) found with missing body parts

Published: January 11, 2024
By: Daily Sun – South Africa

THE Thoka family from the small community of Mokomene in Botlokwa, Limpopo, could not have foreseen such a terrible start to the year 2024.

Five days into the new year, Modjadji Thoka (18) went missing on Friday, 5 January. 

Panicking, the family set off in search of the teenager.

It didn’t take long for the family to find their loved one, but it wasn’t a pretty find. On Monday, 8 January, Modjadji’s body was found mutilated and dumped in the bushes.

All that was left of her body was her skull. Her breasts, two legs, both hands and genitals had been cut out.

The teenager’s body was discovered by local residents who alerted the police and the family of the deceased.

This horrific discovery, believed to be the first of its kind in the area, has sent shockwaves through the community.

Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe has appealed to the public to provide information that could assist the cops in their investigations after the body of a woman was discovered at Mokomene in Ga-Thoka Village at about 9am on Monday, 8 January.

Hadebe told Daily Sun that the police responded to a report of a woman’s body abandoned in the bushes.

“When they arrived, they realised that the woman’s body was in an advanced stage of decomposition. The identity of the deceased could not be determined as the investigation is still at an early stage,” she said.

Hadebe said the motive for the gruesome crime was yet to be established.

“Anyone with information that can assist in the investigation is asked to contact the investigating officer, Captain Ngwetsana, on 082 718 9781 or the emergency number 08600 10111, the nearest police station or the MySAPS app,” Hadebe said.

Source: Teen (18) found with missing body parts

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Suspect linked to murder of an 18-year-old woman in Botlokwa, nabbed following intensive investigation

Published: January 17, 2024
By: Media Statement, South African Police Service, Office of the Provincial Commissioner Limpopo

POLOKWANE – The Police in Botlokwa have made a major breakthrough today following the arrest of a 30-year-old man, also a Traditional Healer, who is linked to murder of an 18-year-old Modjadji Niccol Thoka, whose lifeless body was found on 08 January 2024 , at Mokomene, Ga-Thoka village in Botlokwa policing area.

Members of Provincial Detectives and Botlokwa Detectives activated an operation to trace and arrest the suspect. In the early hours of Wednesday, 17 January 2024, the suspect was arrested at Mokomene village. Through the intensive investigation the suspect allegedly took the team to the place where he buried the head of the deceased. He was immediately arrested for murder.

His arrest comes after Police were notified about the discovery of the lifeless body of a woman at an abandoned house. Upon arrival at the scene, they found a body of the woman in an advanced state of decomposition.

Further investigations, revealed that the body was dismembered.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers, has praised the Police team that ensured that this ruthless criminal is put behind bars. He further commended the community and Police collaboration that resulted in the providing of crucial information. “We are now relieved that the suspect is arrested and expect more arrests,” concluded Major General Scheepers.

The suspect will appear before Morebeng Magistrate’s Court soon.

The Police investigations are still ongoing.

Ends

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Colonel Malesela Ledwaba
082 451 7180

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Source: Suspect linked to murder of an 18-year-old woman in Botlokwa, nabbed following intensive investigation

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Botlokwa police investigate the gruesome discovery of the body of an 18-year-old woman

Published: January 10, 2024
By: Anita Nkonki – IOL, South Africa

The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has urged community members to provide valuable information that can assist the police in the investigation following the gruesome discovery of the body of a young woman.

A female was found dead at Mokomene, Ga-Thoka Village under Botlokwa policing precinct, North West, on Monday at about 9 am.

Police received a complaint about the body of a woman at an abandoned house and rushed to the scene.

Upon arrival, they found the body of the woman in an advanced state of decomposition.

“The deceased’s identity will be released in due course as the investigation is still in its preliminary stages. The motive behind this gruesome act is not yet established.”

Source: Botlokwa police investigate the gruesome discovery of the body of an 18-year-old woman

And:

Police in Limpopo are appealing for information after a body of a woman was found at an abandoned house.
Source: Decomposing body of woman found at abandoned house in Limpopo village, January 9, 2024

More:

GRAPHIC CONTENT: Teenager’s murder shocks Limpopo community

Published: January 12, 2024
By: YouTube

Please note, that the following report contains graphic content which may upset some viewers. Some residents at Mokomene village at Botlokwa in Limpopo say they feel unsafe after the discovery of the mutilated body of an 18-year-old girl. Modjadji Thoka’s decomposed remains were found in an abandoned house. Her family reported her missing last week. Angry community members have called on the police to intensify their investigation.

Screenshot. To watch the video click here.
Warning: GRAPHIC CONTENT: Teenager’s murder shocks Limpopo community

Source: YouTube – GRAPHIC CONTENT: Teenager’s murder shocks Limpopo community

Limpopo Province, South Africa

South Africa: ritual murderers of Ronny Makgatho sentenced

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On November 3 I posted a report on the trial of Joshua Hlako, Marcus Makgatho, Amanda Makgatho and Khumbelo Mabirimisa who stood trial accused of ritually murdering Ronny Makgatho. Allegedly, the accused murdered Ronny Makgatho in 2006; his body was dismembered, packed up and taken to various businesses to promote prosperity. The victim was the cousin of Amanda and Marcus Makgatho.

On November 21, the Polokwane High Court found the accused guilty and sentenced them in the presence of the victim’s family members. Judge Gerrit Muller sentenced Joshua Hlako, Marcus Makgatho and Khumbelo Mabirimisa each to 22 years in prison for murder, seven years for kidnapping and four years for defeating the ends of justice. Amanda Makgatho was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment for kidnapping.

Polokwane, formerly known as Pietersburg, is the capital of the Limpopo Province.

Ritual murderers of Ronny Makgatho sentenced

The body of Ronny Makgatho was dismembered, packed up and taken to various businesses to promote prosperity.

Joshua Hlako, Marcus Makgatho, Amanda Makgatho and Khumbelo Mabirimisa are sentenced for the murder of Ronny Makgatho after what has been found to be a brutal ritual killing, according to the National Prosecuting Authority.

Published: November 24, 2023
By: Koketso Sekhwela – Polokwane Review Observer

POLOKWANE -The Polokwane High Court sentenced those responsible for the ritual killing of Ronny Makgatho in 2006, in the presence of the victim’s close family members last Tuesday.

Judge Gerrit Muller ordered that Joshua Hlako, Marcus Makgatho and Khumbelo Mabirimisa will each serve 22 years’ imprisonment for murder, seven years for kidnapping and four years for defeating the ends of justice.

Amanda Makgatho was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment for kidnapping. Muller ordered that the sentences run concurrently.

At the time of the incident, Makgatho was murdered after he was kidnapped in Soshanguve and brought to Seshego.

Hlako is a business owner in the farming and liquor trading sectors and Marcus Makgatho, in hospitality. The deceased was the cousin of Amanda and Marcus.

During the trial, the court heard that one witness reported the matter only last year after having relinquished his employment ties with Hlako whom he worked for from 2001.

Asked about the cause of the delay, the witness said he feared that Hlako was connected to the police in Seshego and that he would face a similar fate as the deceased.

“The witness further told the court that when he approached the police to report the offence, his fear was confirmed as he was detained without any charges brought against him and the police accused him of reporting Hlako. He was then released and could not make further attempts to report as he feared the police. He was adamant that he was part of the team and he did it under the instructions of his boss,” National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi remarked. The second witness, who also worked for Hlako, confirmed the first witness’s testimony that on the day of the incident, they were with Hlako, Marcus, Mabirimisa and a woman unknown to them.

“Knives were brought into the shack in Seshego, and Hlako was giving the instructions. The second witness had to write the name of Ronny from Soshanguve in a notebook where they kept records of the deceased before killing him in the shack of Hlako’s homestead. The body of the deceased was dismembered, packed up and taken to various businesses to promote prosperity,” Malabi-Dzhangi added.

The accused all pleaded not guilty.

Source: Ronny Makgatho: Killers sentenced

South Africa: employees blow whistle on ritual murder by bosses ‘to promote business’ (2006 case)

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A chilling account of a ritualistic murder by unscrupulous businessmen who wanted to promote their businesses. In this case, justice delayed has not resulted in ‘justice denied’. A triumph for the rule of law in South Africa.

‘Better late than never’.

Warning: the following article contains graphic details which may upset some readers (webmaster FVDK)

Employees blow whistle on ritual murder by bosses ‘to promote business’

A witness says he came forward 16 years later because he suffered from nightmares and would hear voices.

From left Joshua Hlako, Marcus Makgatho, Amanda Makgatho and Khumbelo Mabirimisa who have been sentenced for the murder of Ronny Makgatho. 
Image: Suppied: NPA

Published: November 2, 2023
By: Shonisani Tshikalange, TimesLIVE – South Africa

Two Limpopo businessmen and their accomplices have been jailed after their employees testified how a man was kidnapped, his body dismembered, packed and taken to various businesses to “promote their prosperity”.

The victim, Ronny Makgatho, was taken from Soshanguve to Limpopo in 2006 for the ritual murder.

The Polokwane high court has now convicted and sentenced the two businessmen, Joshua Phuthi Hlako and Marcus Maropeng Makgatho, and their co-accused, Amanda Makgatho and Khumbelo Mabirimisa.

Judge Gerrit Muller sentenced Hlako, Marcus Makgatho and Mabirimisa to 22 years’ imprisonment for murder, seven years for kidnapping and four years for defeating the ends of justice. The female accomplice was sentenced to seven years direct imprisonment for kidnapping.

The National Prosecuting Authority said Ronny Makgatho was killed in Seshego by Hlako and Amanda Makgatho with their co-accused Mabirimisa, after being abducted in Soshanguve.

Hlako had transport, farming and sale of liquor businesses. Marcus Makgatho was in hospitality.

Ronny Makgatho was Amanda and Marcus’s cousin.

During the trial, the court heard that the first state witness, who was testifying in return for indemnity from prosecution under section 204 of the Criminal Procedure Act, had reported the crime after 16 years.

“He testified that he worked for businessman Hlako since 2001 and that all that he was directed to do [participating in the ritual murder] formed part and parcel of his duties. This was put to him to establish why he never reported this matter to the police. He testified that the reason is that his employer Hlako is connected to the SAPS in Seshego, and he was scared that what happened to the deceased could happen to him, an assertion that was never challenged by Hlako,” said NPA spokesperson Mashudu Malabi Dzhangi.

The witness said when he approached the police to report the offence, his fear was confirmed as he was detained, she said. No charges were subsequently levelled against him and he was released. He felt he could not make further attempts to report his boss as he feared the police.

“He was adamant that he was part of the team, and he did it under the instructions of his boss Hlako. He decided later to tell the truth because he suffered from nightmares and would also hear voices.” 

Malabi Dzhangi said a second witness also worked for Hlako.

“Both witnesses testified that on the day of the incident, they were with Hlako, Marcus, Mabirimisa and an unknown lady. Knives were brought into the shack, and Hlako was giving instructions.”

One of the group was instructed to write Ronny’s name in a notebook before they killed him in a shack at Hlako’s homestead.

“The body of the deceased was dismembered, packed and taken to various businesses to promote the prosperity of the business,” she said.

In aggravation of sentence, advocate Kobus Jacobs said the actions of the accused affected the lives of the deceased’s family, relatives, and friends.

The NPA has welcomed the sentence which director of public prosecutions advocate Ivy Thenga said would send a strong message to ritual murderers that the justice system will not tolerate any form of violence against humankind.

The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently with the sentence of murder.

Source: Employees blow whistle on ritual murder by bosses ‘to promote business’

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Spilling the beans: workers disclose ritual murder where a man was killed and cut up to boost business

Published: November 2, 2023
By: Jonisayi Maromo, Independent Online (IOL)

Source: Spilling the beans: workers disclose ritual murder where a man was killed and cut up to boost business

Southern Africa: shocking details of ‘muti’ murders

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Warning: the following article contains graphic details, the reader may find the article shocking.

The following article from Eric Naki, the Political Eitor of The Citizen, a South African online news magazine, contains several frank observations which are worth specifically mentioning here.

First, Naki, citing an expert on ritual murders, Dr Alunamutwe Rannditsheni, from Limpopo province, tells us that ritual murders are a worldwide phenomenon, occurring not only in Africa or Sub-Saharan Africa. I am very happy with this expert-observation even though it results in mixed feelings because of its sad contents. I have also mentioned it in my introduction to this website on ritual killing, witchcraft and superstition in African countries (‘Why publish this site‘).

Secondly, reportedly, kidnappings, human trafficking, and ritual murders, often referred to as ‘muti murders’, are well-known crimes in nearly all 16 member-states of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC).  This is shocking. The combined population living in the 16 SADC-countries totals about 300 million people.

Lastly, the well-informed author confirms the ghastly details of the way muti murders are committed. Organs or other body parts are extracted live from the poor and helpless victims, not seldom children. The reality is sometimes too hard to describe and too revolting to imagine.

Ritual murders, human trafficking, kidnappings, and associated fear and torture are a plague in many African countries and must stop immediately. To the governments which have a sacred obligation to protect their citizens I would say: ‘If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.’ (webmaster FVDK).

Muti murders: ‘Genitals only work if cut from live victims’

Published: May 20, 2021
By: The Citizen, South Africa – Eric Naki

Victims were lured with promises of jobs, but when they arrived at the destination, they would be abducted and taken away to have their body parts cut off.

An expert on ritual murders, Dr Alunamutwe Rannditsheni, from Limpopo, said ritual killings were a worldwide phenomenon and not only an African problem.

Almost all of the SADC countries experienced ritual killing-related kidnappings and human trafficking.

A 2008 investigation by the Human Rights League in Mozambique found such murders were rife in the country. It found people were trafficked between countries with the purpose to remove parts to be trafficked separately.

The league, which interviewed survivors, eye-witnesses, families of victims and civil society in Mozambique and South Africa, found body parts were forcibly removed from children and adults, causing death or severe disability.

“Throughout the report, informants share personal experiences, which confirm that body parts are taken across the border between South Africa and Mozambique.”

A custom’s official in Sofala province, Mozambique, said: “They say the treatments with genital organs only work if they are taken from a person alive.”

In some instances in Mozambique, victims were beheaded before the parts were removed.

“The murderer cut her throat like she was a goat. He cut her head just like that and removed her genital organs, leaving all the rest,” the report quoted a police officer at Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique as saying.

In another case, a female stall holder at Ressano Garcia on the border with South Africa was fingered for ritual murders.

“The police searched and found that she was carrying genital organs of adult men … I don’t know how many exactly, it was several. But they were from adult men, I saw them myself,” an officer said.

Cases of muti killings were also reported in Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, Swaziland, Lesotho, Malawi and Tanzania. People living with albinism were the main targets in Tanzania.

Community leader and businessman Phumudzo Mukhwati alleged the ritual murder gangs had spread to provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, North West and Gauteng.

Victims were lured with promises of jobs, but when they arrived at the destination, they would be abducted and taken away to have their body parts cut off in Limpopo or a neighbouring country.

Source: Muti murders: ‘Genitals only work if cut from live victims’

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) comprises 16 Member States: Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

South Africa: Acornhoek community marches against alleged ritual killings (2017 article)

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The northeastern provinces of South Africa have a bad reputation when it comes to ritualistic activities and murders. Whereas commendable steps have been taken by local authorities to arrest and put on trial those suspected of involvement in these heinous crimes (see my previous postings), still much is left to be desired. This is illustrated by the article reproduced below, dating from 2017, focusing the citizens of Acornhoek in Mpumalanga province. The danger exists that citizens will take the law into their own hand if the authorities fail to react properly. In a country, ruled by the principles of the rule of law, mob justice has no place. Mob justice, however, is an important signal that the legal authorities fall short of the expectations which people justly hold (webmaster FVDK).

Acornhoek community marches against alleged ritual killings

COMMUNITY MEMORANDUM HANDOVER: A memorandum regarding the crime in the communities was submitted to Acornhoek Police Station Commander Colonel Ntwane.

Published: July 11, 2017
By: Letaba Herald –  Refiloe Matome

The community of Acornhoek (consisting of Cottondale, Timbavati, RDP and Plaza View) presented a memorandum to the Acornhoek SAPS regarding crime which is happening within their communities on June 28.

The memorandum presented to the station management in order for them to address the cases of ritual practices and child trafficking that is allegedly taking place within the community.

“As the citizens of this country, we no longer feel safe within our communities and the constitution clearly stated that we all have the right to live freely,” said Ndlovu of The Bushbuckridge Residents Association.

Three incidents were clearly highlighted where they believe victims were unfairly treated and justice was not served. The first being Wilson Mokoena’s case who was killed in Plaza View earlier this year and according to information provided to the Hoedspruit Herald, the suspect is a government official and is well known but no arrests have been made thus far.

“Alfred Madalane was found killed and dumped at an Acornhoek scrap yard with body parts missing, three suspects were arrested after confessing to his killing, but they were later released by the court stating that there was not enough evidence while the perpetrators confessed to his death,” added Ndlovu.

The last case that was presented to the SAPS for query was that of Maluleke who was killed and dumped at Pendulane cross with his blood allegedly drained from his body.

“The above mentioned cases need to be considered, we call upon the station commander to urgently intervene in these cases and all suspects need to be rearrested immediately. We expect to get a respond with immediate effect before the community takes the law into their own hands,” concluded Ndlovu.

Source: Acornhoek community marches against alleged ritual killings

South Africa: life sentence for ritual murderer (2015 article)

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Yesterday I posted an article on the sentencing to life imprisonment of four people found guilty of ritual murder in Limpopo Province, South Africa. It is not the first time that the rule of law was applied by prosecuting and sentencing a ritual murderer in Limpopo Province, a region which unfortunately is notorious for the occurrence of muti murders. In October 2015, a Mocambican man who had been apprehended in possession of body parts was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Limpopo High Court at Makhado (webmaster FVDK).

Life sentence for ritual murderer

Life imprisonment for a Mocambican man found guilty by a Limpopo Province Court

Published: October 29, 2015
By: Letaba Herald, Matome Maila

A Mocambican man who was found in possession of body parts last year was sentenced to life imprisonment during a sitting of the Limpopo High Court at Makhado last Tuesday.

Nkovani Samson Majoko (36), originally from Mocambique, but residing a Xiphuraphuleni Settlement in Malamulele, outside Giyani was arrested in June last year after he was found in possession of a bag containing two hands and male sexual organs

The court heard that he lured the victim, John Miyambo (35), from Mocambique to South Africa with the promise of a job and then killed him and cut off the body parts to sell as muti.

He was arrested after information was received of a man trying to sell body parts in the Malamulele area.

He was found guilty on a charge of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Source: Life sentence for ritual murderer

South Africa: relatives sentenced to life for ritual murder

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Is it possible to something positive in the area of ritualistic killings? Maybe yes, read the following case, reproduced below. In Limpopo province, South Africa, where ritualistic murders aka muti (muthi) murders are rampant, a court has found four people accused of ritual murder guilty and sentenced them to life imprisonment. The Thohoyandou High Court found guilty and convicted Christinah Mhlongo (56), Solomon Mqengeni Mahumani (67) and Amos Mafemani Chuma (51) for the barbaric, gruesome ritual murder of their-in-law, Hlayisani Hlungwani (26), at Hlomela village in Giyani three years ago. A fourth convict, Daniel Dzambukeri was sentenced to life imprisonment after he pleaded guilty at the beginning of the trial.

I must commend the police department, the investigators, and the court judges for their work and I am happy with the outcome of their work. I will not give my opinion on the sentences, in this case life imprisonment. Judges must work independently and objectively, one must be very prudent to comment or to interfere with their work. However, I am very positive about the fact that the rule of law has been upheld. in South Africa, notably in Limpopo Province, muti murderers terrorize the population and violate people’s human rights, notably the right to live without fear and the right to live. To prosecute and sanction perpetrators of these cruel crimes is a sacred duty of the state which has an obligation to protect its citizens. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is essential to educate people telling them that killing other people motivated by superstition as a means to become rich or famous is outrageous and not acceptable.   

Warning: the article below contains graphic details (FVDK).

Relatives senctenced to life for ritual murder

Published: November 18, 2020
By: Letaba Herald

Four relatives were last Thursday each sentenced to life imprisonment for the ritual murder of their in-law at Hlomela village in Giyani three years ago.

Thohoyandou High Court found guilty and convicted Christinah Mhlongo (56), Solomon Mqengeni Mahumani (67) and Amos Mafemani Chuma (51) for the murder of Hlayisani Hlungwani (26) in Nsavula village.

The fourth convict, Daniel Dzambukeri was sentenced to life imprisonment after he pleaded guilty at the beginning of the trial.

The judge found that the four accused intentionally killed Hlungwani by cutting off her lips, breasts and private parts.

The heinous crime which sent shock waves in the Hlomela and Nsavula villages was found to have been motivated by greed and the love of money. All accused pleaded not guilty and showed no remorse, the judge found.

The court heard that on 17 April 2017, Daniel Dzambukeri lured his sister-in-law to get into Chuma’s Honda Ballade in order to fetch her child from her grandmother. Dzambukeri testified that when the vehicle reached Hlomela village they drove into the bushes where Hlungwani’s legs were tied to a tree.

Later all of the accused went to the scene to perform their rituals before removing some body parts.

During the ritual, the victim’s mother-in-law, Mhlongo, burned herbs naked while calling Hlungwani ancestors to accept her spirit. Dzambukeri told the court that he had committed the crime with all three accused.

He told the court that he and Mahumani held the victim down while Chuma cut the body parts with a knife. Chuma handed the parts to Mhlongo who wrapped it in a red cloth.

The killing angered villagers who vented their anger by burning down three houses and other properties belonging to the convicts.

Other family member fled the area to other provinces. In mitigation of sentence Mhlongo asked the court not to sentence her for a murder she didn’t commit.

“There was no way I could have joined men to commit such crime,” said Mhlongo.

Mahumani and Chuma also asked the court not to sentence them, they accept no responsibility for their action.

In aggravation of sentence the state advocate, Absah Madzhuta, called the elder brother of the deceased, Richard Hlongwani who testified about the impact the killing had on her child and her grandmother.

Hlungwani further said that the family was shocked, in pain and living in fear.

The death of the deceased has affected the child of the deceased in that she failed her grade.

He said that she knows that her mother was killed by a woman and men and she is now afraid of her father and visitors.

The court remarked that the crime was barbaric, where the victim fought for her life with all her energy, screaming and kicking.

She suffered a painful death, with her body parts removed whilst still alive (italics added by the webmaster).

The body parts were destined for sale.

“Although every case is decided according to its merits, this crime is very serious. The family had to bury their loved one with some of her body parts missing. The aggravating circumstances outweigh by far the mitigating factors of the accused. This type of murder is a classical barbaric one without respecting the deceased and her right to life in terms of Section 11 of the Constitution,” remarked Justice Khami Makhafola before sentencing the convicts to life imprisonment.

The director of public prosecutions, Adv Ivy Thenga welcomed the sentence and commended the investigation team together with the state Adv Absa Madzhuta for the work well done.

Source: Relatives senctenced to life for ritual murder

Below follows the link to another article related to the same barbaric crime. The graphic details of the crime committed being so shocking I have decided not to reproduce the full text here. If readers are still interested, they may click the link below but they are warned that the contents of the article are shocking and repulsive. The article describes in full detail how the victim’s body parts were cut off while she was still alive (webmaster FVDK). 

The faces of evil
Published: November 20, 2020
By: Zoutnet, South Africa – Andries van Zyl

The faces of evil. From left to righ are ritual murderers Solomon Mqengeni Mahumani (67), Christinah Mhlongo (56) and Amos Mafemani Chuma (51). 
Photo’s: NPA Limpopo.