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House torched after witchcraft allegations

The pensioner was attending a church service when her house was burned down

POLICE in Mecklenburg, Limpopo, have arrested a 55-year-old man for allegedly setting alight the house of a 70-year-old woman after he suspected that she had killed his son through witchcraft.

Police said that the house was set alight on Sunday while the pensioner was attending a church service in Mooihoek village outside Burgersfort in Limpopo.

Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Mohale Ramatseba estimated the damage at R300,000.

"According to the information on the charge sheet, the pensioner was attending a church service when her house was burned down.

"The man allegedly accused her of having caused the death of his 26-year-old son through witchcraft.

"The son died on Sunday after complaining of stomach pains for about three days."

Police expect to make more arrests and Ramatseba said the suspect is expected to appear before the Mecklenburg Magistrate's Court soon.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Simon Mpembe has strongly condemned the burning of the woman's house and said pointing out someone as a witch was a serious offence.

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