Etwatwa SAPS probe elderly woman’s death following witchcraft accusation

Etwatwa police appeal to the community for information following the alleged assault and subsequent death of 76-year-old Busi Maseko, who was reportedly accused of witchcraft.

Maseko, who suffered from dementia, was found wandering the streets of Emabeleni in Etwatwa East in the early hours of June 10, just a few kilometres from her home.

A video circulating on a local Facebook community group shows her lying on the ground, shielding her face, with several individuals standing nearby and a fire burning beside her.

According to her daughter, Poppy Maseko, her mother had quietly left their home during the night.

“We went to sleep around 22:00. I checked on her at midnight and she was sleeping peacefully. I was shocked to wake up at 05:00 and find her missing, with the doors open,” said Poppy.

She added that the family had previously found Maseko wandering during the day due to her condition, but this time was tragically different.

“Unfortunately, it seems she landed in the wrong hands. The videos we saw suggested the mob wanted to burn her.

“I want justice for my mother. She was not a witch. People need to be educated about conditions like dementia so that this never happens again,” she pleaded.

An eyewitness, who asked not to be named, said he had been alerted by two young men to the presence of an elderly woman outside.

He explained that he had been awake with his girlfriend tending to their five-month-old baby when he went outside to investigate.

“I asked them why they were out so late and they said they were collecting tins. I asked Gogo why she was outside, but she didn’t respond,” he said.

He claimed the fire seen in the video was lit by the men to keep her warm and said he did not witness any assault, as he soon returned inside to prepare for work.

Ewatwa SAPS station commander, Colonel Patrick Qangase, confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened to determine the circumstances surrounding Maseko’s death.

“She was declared dead at Phillip Moyo Clinic while awaiting transfer to Far East Hospital,” said Qangase.

He added that police have instructed sector managers to engage with the community to discourage vigilantism.

“We urge residents not to take the law into their own hands. Anyone with information must come forward.”

To report criminal activities or provide information, contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Maseko will be laid to rest today, June 18.

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