The South African Police Service recently arrested eight community members in connection with the k!lling of an elderly woman, known as a “gogo,” who had been accused of witchcr@ft.
According to IOL, the tragic event occurred on October 22, 2024, after community members alleged that the woman was responsible for the de@th of a missing 13-year-old girl. The teenager had gone missing, and when her body was later discovered, locals blamed the woman, believing her death was linked to witchcr@ft.
Seven men and one woman, ranging in age from 29 to 45, were taken into custody on October 25. The suspects are set to appear before the Taung Magistrates Court on October 28. Wessels Morweng, the Community Safety MEC for the province, welcomed the arrests and strongly condemned the actions taken against the elderly woman.
The incident sparked reactions on social media, with many South Africans expressing support for the arrests. Some noted the sad irony that people who persecute others as “w!tch3s” may face similar accusations as they grow older. In a related report, Briefly News covered a similar case in the Eastern Cape, where seven people were convicted for the murders of two sisters, whom they had also accused of witchcraft. The sentencing of those involved was broadly supported by the public.
