“We also urge community leaders, religious institutions and civil society organisations to come together and address the issue of accusing elderly people of witchcraft through education, awareness campaigns and dialogue.”
Police spokesperson Col Robert Netshiunda told TimesLIVE the suspect in the murder was also killed, allegedly by community members shortly after news of the pensioner’s death spread.
“He sustained multiple injuries and was confirmed dead at the scene,” he said.
Netshiunda said police were investigating the murder cases.
Community members expressed shock over the killing of the woman and raised concerns about safety in the area. Many people reacted to the killing online.
Sbani Mpendulo wrote: “The councillor should call for a community meeting so that this can be discussed. What has happened now means that we are still going to lose people.”
Nompumelelo Gabuza added: “We will now be scared to go back home because of what is happening in ward 14. God have mercy on us.”
“It has become so sour in that place. King of kings, intervene,” said Mthonga Khumalo.
KZN communities urged to protect elderly after death of woman accused of witchcraft
Image: Darren Stewart
The recent killing of a woman in her 70s accused of witchcraft has left many in the kwaNongoma region, KwaZulu-Natal, in shock.
The provincial social development MEC, Nonhlanhla Khoza identified the woman as 74-year-old Solani Mchunu from Badlaneni.
Khoza condemned the murder of the pensioner, saying the woman was killed at the weekend after a man from Badlaneni area accused her of witchcraft.
“The community of this province should understand that every individual has the right to life, dignity and freedom from violence. Therefore targeting and persecution of individuals based on accusations of witchcraft is not only morally repugnant but also a violation of fundamental human rights,” she said.
Khoza said witchcraft-related violence was problematic in the province. She appealed to community members to protect elderly people.
“We call upon the law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into this heinous crime and ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.
“We also urge community leaders, religious institutions and civil society organisations to come together and address the issue of accusing elderly people of witchcraft through education, awareness campaigns and dialogue.”
Police spokesperson Col Robert Netshiunda told TimesLIVE the suspect in the murder was also killed, allegedly by community members shortly after news of the pensioner’s death spread.
“He sustained multiple injuries and was confirmed dead at the scene,” he said.
Netshiunda said police were investigating the murder cases.
Community members expressed shock over the killing of the woman and raised concerns about safety in the area. Many people reacted to the killing online.
Sbani Mpendulo wrote: “The councillor should call for a community meeting so that this can be discussed. What has happened now means that we are still going to lose people.”
Nompumelelo Gabuza added: “We will now be scared to go back home because of what is happening in ward 14. God have mercy on us.”
“It has become so sour in that place. King of kings, intervene,” said Mthonga Khumalo.
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