Granny stabbed, burnt to death

An Elderly Libode woman was brutally killed in full view of her young grandchildren by members of a soccer club and some of their supporters. 

Nogcinile Tshele, 61, of Rhawutini village was hacked with bush knives, stabbed with sharpened iron bars and then, while badly wounded, set alight.

“They blamed their deaths on her,” Fethe said. “This is all madness, they do not have any proof and they never went to any sangoma – they just decided to kill the defenceless woman.”

A village imbizo held yesterday at sub-headman Mlandeli Ndabetha’s great place to discuss Tshele’s murder, attracted more than 100 people. Those present strongly condemned the killing.

“We cannot tolerate such brutal murders of people and accusations of witchcraft,” Ndabetha said.

“We have been told there are more arrests to be made – some are pupils at the local school,” Ndabetha said.

“The community meeting today also decided that all villagers must contribute towards fund-raising to rebuild the damaged houses.”

Police spokeswoman Warrant Officer Deneo Koena said 16 people had been arrested. Their ages range from 20 to 46.

“They are charged with murder, arson, malicious damage to property and are to appear in court soon.”