Suspected ritual murder case postponed again

The case of a local sangoma and his five co-accused who had allegedly ritually murdered Mr Philip Bendzani has been postponed once again. Frans Madzivhe, along with Rudzani Shadrack Malange (21), Meshack Mkhwanadzi (20), Lesley Meshack Malange (21), Reynie Abraal (31) and David Mnisi (27), appeared before the Louis Trichardt Magistrate's Court on Tuesday and the case was postponed to 17 July for a bail application.

The alleged ritual killing occurred at Ha-Mutonga outside Elim on 16 May. The accused, who remain in custody, allegedly removed Bendzani's testicles and his pubic hair before setting him alight at the Mununzwu Farm near Sweet Waters.

Meanwhile, Madzivhe's lawyer, Mr Desmond Mphaphuli, argued that up to now the State had not produced any evidence to convict his clients. "The state is only relying on hearsay and circumstantial evidence," he said. Mphaphuli is also representing Madzivhe, Mnisi and the Malange brothers. He said that he was going to make a presentation to the director of public prosecutions (DPP) that the case must be withdrawn, pending further investigations.

However, 20 members of the community who had been arrested for allegedly burning Madzivhe's home also appeared before the Waterval Magistrate's Court on Tuesday. The case was postponed to Thursday, 7 June. The accused are facing charges of arson, malicious damage to property and public violence.

Members of the Madzivhe family have since been kept at a safety camp next to the Waterval police station. The 21 family members are currently staying inside an old community hall.

Date:11 June 2012

By: Peter Muthambi

Peter Muthambi graduated from the University of Venda with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Studies. He started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror as well as national papers in 2006. He loves investigative journalism and is also a very keen photographer.

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