Two women have been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of 75-year-old Nokhansala Sidiki, who was accused of witchcraft in Eastern Cape.
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Two women have been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of a 75-year-old woman who was accused of witchcraft, assaulted, and subsequently drowned in a village near Ngcobo in the Eastern Cape.
The deceased, identified as Nokhansala Sidiki, was killed on Sunday morning, at Zadungeni A/A, Luthuthu Locality.
According to police, Sidiki was allegedly taken from her home by certain family members and dragged to a nearby stream. At the stream, she was accused of practicing witchcraft before being assaulted with a wooden plank and subsequently drowned.
Her naked body was later discovered next to the stream, bearing severe bruises to her head and face, as well as distinct marks of strangulation on her neck.
While the perpetrators initially fled the scene, police launched a swift investigation, leading to a breakthrough.
On Tuesday, police confirmed that a 26-year-old woman and a 28-year-old woman had been arrested and placed in custody. Authorities have indicated that more arrests are imminent as the investigation continues.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata, strongly condemned the savage attack on the vulnerable elderly woman, warning community members against vigilante justice.
“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,”
Ncata said.
“We will leave no stone unturned until those responsible are arrested and face the full extent of the law.”
Ncata further urged community and traditional leaders to actively fight against the scourge of mob justice in their areas.
“I also call on community leaders to help us uproot this dangerous mob justice mentality. If you know something, speak out; silence makes you complicit,” he said.
The SAPS Detective Unit is currently handling the case docket. Forensic evidence has been gathered from the crime scene, and witness statements are being processed.
Police are appealing to anyone with further information that could assist in the ongoing investigation to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or to share tips anonymously via the MySAPS mobile application.