Tebogo Tshipi

Tebogo Tshipi

A sangoma and a 28-year-old man appeared briefly in the Seshego magistrates' court yesterday charged with the kidnapping and murder of a 16-year-old girl.

Lesiba Mothoa, 28, from Waschbank in Limpopo, allegedly killed Jahana Mothiba and gave her body parts to Albert Papo, a sangoma from GaMatlala, 100km west of Polokwane.

The court was adjourned after Mothoa said he was surprised that the woman who had asked for a body had not been arrested.

"She told me that she needed a twin girl, but now I am being charged without her.

"I was only following her instructions," he said.

The hearing was postponed to Thursday for further investigation.

Mothiba, her four-year-old relative and her boyfriend were walking to a nearby village when Mothoa allegedly threatened them. The three fled in different directions.

The boyfriend ran back to the village to get help.

A search was launched by members of the community, but only Mothiba's clothes were found where she was last seen.

Her naked body was found by a cattle herder a week later with rope around her legs and hands.