Selby Makgotho

Selby Makgotho

Cultural and traditional experts and academics will participate in a three-day conference in Limpopo on ritual killings, starting today.

The conference, which will culminate in a mass rally on Saturday, has been convened in Thohoyandou, an area with a high incidence of ritual killings.

The conference follows the release of a report that was commissioned to investigate ritual killings.

The report has exposed a high level of incompetence by the police, who in some cases have failed to follow-up on crucial evidence.

Mathole Motshekga, of the Kara Heritage Institute, will be chairman of a commission that will focus on culture and traditions, and how they have influenced ritual killings.

Marcus Ramogale, of the University of Venda, will lead a commission on the role of communities in combating ritual killings, and Victor Ralushai will give a presentation on cultural and traditional practices and how they influence ritual murders.

Joyce Piliso-Seroke, of the Commission for Gender Equality, will speak on gender dimensions in the practice of ritual murders.

Also to be represented is the South African Council of Churches.