Body parts found, link to muti killings
No arrest yet in Soshanguve body parts case.
The gruesome discovery of human body parts in Soshanguve has sparked fears of a resurgence in muti killings in Soshanguve.
Human body parts believed to be of a man were discovered in Soshanguve Block F last Friday.
Police spokesperson, Constable Reneilwe Makwalo confirmed that Thabiso Shakwane (31) of Soshanguve saved his younger brother from a man who wanted to cut off his 4/5 and balls.
Thabiso allegedly picked up a brick and hit the man who was fighting with his brother, Khothatso Shakwane (25).
The man was trying to stab Khothatso with a pair of scissors.
Residents who spoke to Record on condition of anonymity said they feared that muti killings may be back to haunt the community.
According to Makwalo, a man was hit with a brick, and as he was running away he dropped a bag he was carrying.
“The man who was chasing him picked up the bag and emptied it,” she said.
The man was shocked to find the bag contained body parts.
Among the body parts, was a penis.
Makwalo could not confirm whether the body parts belonged to one person.
“The body parts were taken for forensic investigation. Police are hunting the suspect who managed to run away from the scene,” she said.
A house near Soshanguve police station was searched the next day by police and they found the naked body of a young man.
Stones were placed upon the dead body.
His underwear was on his knees and his shoes next to his body.
Makwalo said a case of murder has been opened.
She could not say whether the penis belonged to the body.
“Investigation is ongoing,” said Makwalo.
Traditional healer, Zanele Lwazi from Mabopane believes body part killings are part of witchcraft, which is believed to be used for muti.
In February this year, a body was found dumped in Soshanguve near Block XX with body parts missing.
Three days later, the body of a man believed to be around 30 years-old was discovered in neighbouring Winterveldt also with body parts missing.
Makwalo said forensic tests were being conducted on the recovered body parts.
Lwazi said body parts are used by bogus sangomas to strengthen their muti.
She feared muti killings were also responsible for the disappearance of people reported missing at various police stations in the area.
“Most residents, like the majority of South Africans, still believe in witchcraft,” said Lwazi.
She said these bogus sangomas believe in the power of body parts.
Lwazi appealed that police should also investigate mortuary attendants, as she believed the problem might be widespread.
According to Lwazi all human body parts were believed to be powerful, but the genitals of young boys and virgin girls were regarded as particularly potent.
Although police would not confirm the total number of witchcraft-related killings, the number according to Lwazi is believed to be considerably high around Mabopane, Ga-Rankuwa, Soshanguve and Hammanskraal.
Also read:
No arrests yet in body parts case
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