Long term imprisonment for two ritual killers

A traditional healer, Franse Madzivhe (58), was sentenced to 24 years in prison and his co-accused, David Munisi (30), to 22 years for their involvement in the ritual killing of Mr Philip Benzani Chabeti of Mutonga near Elim in May 2012.

They were sentenced in the Louis Trichardt Regional Court by Judge Joseph Raulinga last Wednesday.

Four men, Meschack Mkhanadzi, Shadrack Malange, Meshack Malange and Rynie Abral, were initially charged but acquitted in 2013.

The incident occurred at Mununzwu Farm (Sweetwaters) and it was testified that the deceased, Philip Chabeti, had been accused of having an affair with one of the wives of Madzivhe. His body was later found with some body parts, including his testicles, missing.

After the murder, angry community members of Ha-Mutonga burnt down five houses of  Madzivhe and most of his belongings were destroyed in the attack. Apart from burning Madzivhe’s houses, the angry residents went as far as burning the accused's goats alive and also removing the eyes of some of the goats. Family members had to run for their lives during the attack.

Mrs Maria Chabeti, widow of ritual murder victim Philip Benzani Chabeti, with her heart bleeding in pain, said she welcomed the sentences imposed on Madzivhe and Mnisi but claimed that other people involved in the murder had not been arrested.

Makhado Cluster police spokesperson W/O Kedibone Mabatha has hailed the heavy sentences, saying they would serve as a deterrent to would-be criminals. “We are extremely excited at the outcome of the whole case, from the arrest until the finalization of the case. We commend the justice system for a job well done and we hope criminals will fear committing crimes as a result of the heavy sentences,” he said.

To read a previous article relating to this case, click here

Date:22 April 2016

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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