Sinister happenings in oSizweni
The body of an elderly woman, accused of witchcraft, was found in oSizweni recently.
Animal neglect and accusations of witchcraft has seen the death of not only six dogs but of an elderly woman as well.
Recently the SPCA received a a complaint regarding dogs at a home in oSizweni which were severely malnourished and were possibly abandoned.
According to SPCA Inspector, Elize van Rooyen, she went to the scene to find the dogs in a one bedroom home with no food and water. The dogs were in such a state neglect, she claimed, that the one male dog had already died.
With the owner not at home, Ms van Rooyen left a warning at the house and ensured that the remaining dogs had enough food and water until she returned.
“In a case such as this, we leave the owner a warning and they have to contact the SPCA within 24 hours and if they do not, we return to confiscate the animals.” When the owner did not contact the SPCA, Ms van Rooyen returned and it was then that matters took a more sinister turn.
Ms van Rooyen explained that neighbours had accused the owner of the dogs of witchcraft and that one of the dogs was in fact a baboon.
Despite Ms van Rooyen trying to explain that the dogs were dogs, and not baboons, community members were not convinced. The dogs were emaciated to such an extent that despite remaining in the SPCA’s care for a week, they had to be euthanised.
After the dogs were removed, the owner was reported missing. Unfortunately, her body was later found cut up. “Apparently, people wait for accused witches to go out somewhere by themselves and then kill them. I can’t believe things like this still happen,” said Ms van Rooyen.
While Warrant Officer Simon Luthuli, SAPS spokesperson, could not give an official statement concerning the murder, he did emphasise that crimes such as this often saw elderly women who lived alone, fall victim to mob psychology.
“Crimes such as this never really happen to youngsters, but old women who are poor and often live alone often fall victim.” W/O Luthuli urged the community not to brand someone as a witch and take the law into their own hands.
“Instead of wasting energy to kill honest old women, people should rather use their energy to assist the SAPS in catching those guilty of crimes.”
