Stop killing “witches”
The South African Police Services (SAPS) have a vision, which is to create a safe and secure environment for all South Africans. On Saturday a Women’s Month event was held at Thomo Village in Giyani. The event was to celebrate women and also to raise awareness on witchcraft, muti killings and mob justice. The General …

The South African Police Services (SAPS) have a vision, which is to create a safe and secure environment for all South Africans.
On Saturday a Women’s Month event was held at Thomo Village in Giyani. The event was to celebrate women and also to raise awareness on witchcraft, muti killings and mob justice. The General National Commissioner of police, Riah Phiyega unveiled the tombstone of Catherine Nkovani Chauke. Catherine was a victim of mob justice. She was set alight and killed on April 28 this year after she was accused of being a “witch”. Phiyega told community members that whoever kills and takes body parts, burn someone they label a witch will face the full might of the law.
She also added that they chose to host the event in Thomo because muti killings and mob justice is rife in Mopani and the nearby districts of Vhembe and Sekhukhune. ‘Let’s work together to fight crime,’ she was quoted as saying. Catherine’s husband Petros Chauke thanked everyone who supported him throughout his loss. ‘I am thankful for all they have done for me and my family,’ he said. The Executive Mayor of Mopani, Cllr Nkakareng Rakgoale condemned labeling someone a witch and therefore killing them.
‘Witchcraft is an old thing, those who did this shamed us,’ she said. The event was attended by members of the Shiviti Royal Council, cluster commanders, Greater Giyani Municipality Mayor, Cllr Pat Hlungwani, Dr Hlathikhulu, the provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Fannie Masemola and other important dignitaries.