Villagers refuse burial of murdered woman (64)

THE funeral of the woman who was burned to death amid accusations of being a witch, has been delayed due to the community refusing to allow her to be buried in the local cemetery.

Mamayila Nkuna (64) from Ximausa village in Giyani, was doused with petrol and set alight by an angry mob of villagers some two weeks ago.

Municipal ward councillor, Tsakani Maluleke, said villagers had refused that Nkuna’s grave be dug in the local cemetery, saying since she was a witch, she could come back from the dead and dig the grave herself.

“The deceased’s children had to make funeral arrangements from the police station, where they had been taken for safety and living for a while after the community threatened to burn them alive as well,” she said.

Village headman, Khasele Golele, said he had, in the meantime, managed to calm the situation and the community had now reached consensus that Nkuna’s family should be allowed to burry her in the village cemetary.

“I called an urgent meeting with the community on Wednesday February 12 where consensus was reached.

“We also agreed that each household should contribute R20 to be given to the bereaved family as this is normally done in our village for anyone who has lost a loved one,” he explained.

He further said the family was back at home and no longer staying at the police station.

“The community agreed that they should be allowed back so that the funeral arrangements could go ahead,” he said, confirming that the funeral would take place on Saturday.

Provincial police spokesperson, Col. Ronél Otto, said of the 19 suspects who had been arrested in connection with Nkuna’s murder, four were released as they were minors.

“The rest of the suspects have already appeared in court, and their case was postponed to Thursday February 20 for further investigation,” she said.