Homeless after furious mob attacks suspected ‘witches’

SOME families were left homeless after their homes were destroyed in an alleged witchcraft-related attack in Madeira village, in Maruleng, recently.

It is alleged that a mob went on the rampage, setting some houses alight and destroying others with stones, after a young boy claimed that some villagers were forcing him to be a part of witchcraft practises at night.

Maake police spokesperson, Const Mpho Seroto, confirmed that six houses were destroyed by an enraged mob who accused the owners of practising witchcraft.

Seroto said three people were arrested and investigations to identify more suspects continued.

The three suspects, Emma Mashabela (39), Mapula Masete (39) and Murema Phasha (25) appeared before the Naphuno magistrate’s court on Friday on charges of arson and malicious damage to property.

They were remanded in police custody pending further investigations and were due to appear again before court at the time of going to print.

Seroto added that the alleged victims had been accommodated at the police station’s victim support centre for their own safety.