Cape Town – A 75-year-old Eastern Cape woman was allegedly beaten and drowned by family members who accused her of witchcraft, prompting outrage from police authorities and renewed concern over mob justice attacks in rural communities.
According to the South African Police Service, officers in Ngcobo are investigating a murder case following the killing of Ms Nokhansala Sidiki at Zadungeni Administrative Area in the Luthuthu locality on Saturday morning.
Police said Sidiki was allegedly taken from her home by certain family members and dragged to a nearby stream, where she was assaulted with a plank before being drowned.
“Her body was found naked next to the stream with bruises to the head and face, as well as strangulation marks on the neck,” SAPS said in a statement.
The suspects fled the scene and remain at large. No arrests had been made by Sunday as detectives continued their investigation.
Police confirmed that witness statements were being collected and forensic evidence had been gathered from the crime scene.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata condemned the killing, describing it as “savage and deeply disturbing”.
“This is a savage and deeply disturbing attack on a vulnerable elderly woman. Accusing someone of witchcraft and taking the law into your own hands is not only illegal but inhumane,” said Ncata.
“We will leave no stone unturned until those responsible are arrested and face the full might of the law. I also call on community leaders to help us uproot this dangerous mob justice mentality.”
Ncata urged residents with information to cooperate with investigators.
“If you know something, speak out; silence makes you complicit,” he added.
Police appealed to anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPSApp anonymously.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
