Muthi murderer jailed for life

A convicted murderer, who was found in possession of human body parts, was sentenced to life imprisonment by Mtunzini High Court last Wednesday.

Skhumbuzo Ngema (33), from the Mbhongampisi area outside Bucanana, was convicted of killing Joseph Mchunu in March, before hacking off his left arm.

It was Ngema’s brother who reported the crime to the police after Skhumbuzo confessed to him.

The court heard that Ngema was sent by Nkonka Tavern owner, Thabisile Mthethwa to get her a human arm as she wanted to make muthi for her business to flourish.

Mchunu was leaving the tavern when Ngema ambushed him, forcing him to his home where he stabbed his victim, slit his throat, chopped off his arm and took it away.

Upon returning home, Ngema confided his crime to his younger brother, saying he was travelling to Johannesburg where he would be made R1-million richer.

He then left the homestead with his bag full of clothes and the deceased’s left arm.

Ngema’s brother called Bucanana SAPS who reacted quickly.

They found Mchunu lying dead in a pool of blood with his arm missing.

Upon arriving at Nkonka Tavern, SAPS found Mchunu handing over the arm to Mthethwa.

Both were arrested. Mthethwa is currently out on bail.

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