‘witchcraft belief defence’ rejected by Greytown Regional Court in sentencing

Philisiwe Zuma (33), Thubelihle Shezi (24), and Mazwi Lembethe (23), were recently found guilty of double murder and arson and were sentenced by the Greytown Regional Court to life.

The South African Pagan Rights Alliance wishes to thank the Greytown Regional Court for not accepting a ‘witchcraft belief defence’ in mitigation of sentencing in this case.

The consideration of a belief in “witchcraft” as a mitigating factor in sentencing is wholly inappropriate as this will not discourage further accusations of witchcraft or witch-hunts. The purpose of sentencing must be deterrence. Our courts must never lend credence to the perpetrators unproveable “beliefs” that motivate violence against victims of witchcraft accusation.

Case Reference

“In August last year, Fikile Msimango (65) and her daughter, Nkosi Msimango (28), were beaten and set alight inside their home by a group of residents from Ematimatolo, outside Greytown, who accused them of witchcraft. During the attack, five children, aged between one and 15 years old, were also in the house, but managed to escape with injuries. Three of the four accused, Philisiwe Zuma (33), Thubelihle Shezi (24), and Mazwi Lembethe (23), were recently found guilty of double murder and arson and were sentenced by the Greytown Regional Court. The fourth suspect is still attending court as the investigation continues. Umzinyathi District police spokesperson Constable Siyabonga Nkwanyana said Zuma, Shezi, and Lembethe were sentenced to life for murder and five years of direct imprisonment for arson. They were also declared unfit to possess firearms. Spokesperson for the Department of Social Development in KwaZulu-Natal Mhlaba Memela said they are pleased with the sentencing and that justice has been served. Memela said this is a significant victory for justice and the rule of law, demonstrating that such brutal and unfounded acts will not be tolerated in our society.”
https://witness.co.za/news/2024/07/08/witchcraft-myths-must-be-dispelled-says-government/