Case postponed for man accused of ‘witch’ killings

A Sterkspruit man accused of murdering three women and attempting to murder another will apply for bail later this month.

Zimele Jama, 48, who claimed the women were “witches”, has been in custody since he was arrested almost two weeks ago. His case was postponed in the Sterkspruit magistrate’s court on Tuesday.  

Nomthunzi Jama, 58, Nosakhele Mbuli, 66, and Nozolani Sikiti, 72, were shot and killed in Mbihli village on July 30.

Nosimo Jama, 48, survived the shooting and is recovering in hospital.

National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali  said the state would oppose the bail application.

“After shooting the women with his licensed firearm, he handed himself over to police,” Tyali said. “One of the victims is his aunt and the others are his neighbours.”

Jama made his first court appearance on July 30, when he elected to  defend himself.

“But today [Tuesday], he requested that he be represented by Legal Aid  and so the case was postponed to August 25,” Tyali said.

A group of women, some dressed in ANC regalia, protested outside court with placards reading “We want justice” and  “No bail”.