A 47-year-old man arrested for alleged rape of a senior citizen. Photo: Pixabay.com
Elderly woman accused of witchcraft brutally murdered in KZN
An elderly woman was brutally murdered after she was accused of witchcraft. In turn, the community also stoned the suspect to death.
A 47-year-old man arrested for alleged rape of a senior citizen. Photo: Pixabay.com
KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC, Nonhlanhla Khoza says violence unleashed on elderly people accused of witchcraft is a deeply rooted issue that requires immediate attention and concerted efforts from both the government and society as a whole.
This comes as a 74-year-old pensioner, Solani Mchunu, from the Bandlaneni area in KwaNongoma who was suspected of practising witchcraft was allegedly brutally murdered.
ELDERLY WOMAN ACCUSED OF WITCHCRAFT MURDERED
According to the department, the elderly woman was allegedly murdered by a local boy at the weekend, after accusing him of witchcraft.
It is alleged that the community also stoned the accused to death after he was seen following Mchunu.
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MEC Khoza said the community of KwaZulu-Natal 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.
Khoza strongly condemned the continuation of abuse and murder of elderly people accused of witchcraft.
She said it is crucial for communities to foster understanding, tolerance and respect for diversity, recognising that myths about witchcraft do not justify violence.
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LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES URGED TO ENSURE JUSTICE IS SERVED
Khoza also called upon the law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into this heinous crime and ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.
“It is essential that the legal system sends a clear message that such acts of violence will not be tolerated and that those responsible will face the full force of the law.
“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,” Khoza said.
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