Sangoma sentenced to 24 years for ritual murder
A practicing sangoma and former Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) soldier has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for a ritual murder performed in 2012
LIMPOPO – Frans Madzive (59) and his accomplice, David Mnisi (31) were sentenced in the Makhado Magistrate’s Court for the ritual murder of Philip Chabeti Benzani in May 2012.
A packed to capacity court heard how Benzani’s body was found with his private parts missing after he had gone to fetch wood in the Mununzu/Henning farm near Elim (Mutonga village).
The body parts were found wrapped up in a plastic bag not far from where the murder was committed, but the two men denied involvement.
During the trial, Madzive appeared to struggle recollecting events.
He told the court about his days as a soldier before coming to South Africa in 1986. It was also established that the deceased was of Mozambican decent, and had been accused by Madzive of infidelity.
In the sentencing, judge Joseph Raulinga said the community was sick of murders committed for muti purposes.
Those who don’t respect the lives of others need to undergo serious rehabilitation. Human tissue can’t make people rich; those who want to be rich must work hard.
Madzivhe was sentenced to 24 years, while Mnisi was sentenced to 22 years for his part in the murder.
Maria Chabeti, Benzani’s widow, said the death of her husband was still real every day.
“My heart bleeds, although I’m happy with the sentence. I thank the community for supporting me and would like to pass my heartfelt gratitude to the community and leaders of various structures who stood by me. Although I will not get my husband back, I have courage to go on with life,” she said.
Madzive’s wife, Salphina, said life without a breadwinner was difficult, and that they now survived mostly on sweet potatoes.
Angry villagers earlier vented their anger by burning down Madzive’s five houses, and removed the eyes of his goats before setting them on fire.
His family had to flee for survival and was accommodated in a dilapidated house in Waterval.
President of the Vhembe traditional healers, Mbulaheni “Mbilivhili” Neluvhola discouraged traditional healers from involvement in muti murders.
“Real traditional healers use herbs, not human body parts,” he said.
