Life imprisonment has been given to seven people for the vicious killings of Nothethisa Ntshamba and Ntombekhaya Ndlanya, who were burned alive with petrol after being wrongly accused of witchcraft. The horrifying act took place in front of the victims’ children, causing them great distress and forcing them out of their homes. ..Read Full Article
The Eastern Cape High Court made the decision after a lengthy trial, providing some relief to the victims’ families. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Lwandiso Mzaza, Lufefe Mzaza, Zithini Rhayisa, Yamkela Nonjojo, Odwa Nonjojo, Anelisiwe Nonjojo, and Mkhonzeni Ngcabangcosi were convicted of murder and arson. The group, led by Lwandiso Mzaza in meetings, made the decision to murder the victims based on some unconfirmed accusations of witchcraft. This wrongful belief led to a violent and tragic incident that claimed two lives and caused fear and division within the area and during the night of the incident, the group carried out an attack on the victims by dousing them with petrol and igniting them.
They additionally set fire to the Ntshamba property, reducing it to ashes and mere memories, while the accused asserted their innocence, Rhayisa’ s confession was accepted in court, shedding light on the calculated nature of the crime. The NPA drew attention to the pervasive issue of violence against women accused of witchcraft, not limited to the Eastern Cape but extending across the entire nation.
Senior State Advocate Mbulelo Nyendwa stressed the urgency of addressing this matter, highlighting that the children of the deceased not only lost their mothers but were also displaced, living in fear and bearing the burden of being labeled as the offspring of witches by certain community members. Although the court’s decision marks progress towards justice, the path to healing and unity is still unfolding.
It is imperative for people to unite in denouncing superstitious beliefs and safeguarding against the repetition of such atrocious acts. The families of the victims voiced their gratitude for the verdict, showing the ongoing requirement for support and security. While the NPA and the judiciary have signified a zero-tolerance stance towards such offenses, comprehensive actions are essential to tackle the deep-seated issues prompting witchcraft allegations and acts of violence,
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