HOEDSPRUIT: Family homes vandalised and torched in Acornhoek
“We received information that one of the suspects went to one of the victim’s houses, where it's alleged that on arrival he accused the victim of witchcraft"
Acornhoek Police are investigating cases of arson and intimidation amongst others after residents of Arthur City, Acornhoek, vandalised and torched homes of community members on Saturday, November 11, accusing them of practising witchcraft.
“We received information that one of the suspects went to one of the victim’s houses, where it’s alleged that on arrival he accused the victim of witchcraft, thereafter he went out to blow a whistle to call the community members who came and started to throw stones at the house and began burning a total of five homes,” stated Acornhoek police spokeswomen Captain Mpho Nonyane
One of the victims of 69 year old Ruth Mambane claims that the attack on her family is based on jealousy, “ This place is not good for us, I have left my live stock at home, now people are busy ploughing, I have missed out.”
She appealed to the police to assist here to return to her home.
A grade 12 learner, Charmain Moagi whose family is among those that have been forcefully removed from Arthur City explained how the disruption has affected her exams. “I have gone to the exam room without studying, because I didn’t get time to study and this affected me a lot because I am failing.”
The Bushbuckridge local municipality condemned the attack on the five families. The municipality promised to provide accommodation and food to the five families; in the meantime they are currently housed at the Acornhoek police station.
