An 81-year-old woman has died, following a brutal assault driven by superstition and allegations bordering on witchcraft.
The elderly woman was allegedly beaten by her neighbours on the suspicion of practising witchcraft around Qomintaba, in Lavumisa.
The victim was assaulted early last month, but eventually succumbed to her injuries while receiving medical care at the Hlatikulu Government Hospital, where she was admitted following the brutal assault.
The deceased was identified as Julia Tsabedze (81).
The Police have arrested two young men in connection with the woman’s eventual death. The duo believed that the deceased was responsible for their misfortunes, including their inability to succeed in life.
The police learnt that the pair believed that they had been made to face unfortunate situations due to black magic allegedly performed by the elderly woman.
Arrangements were made to ferry the severely injured woman to the nearby Matsanjeni Health Centre, where she was further transferred to the Hlatikulu Government Hospital due to the extent of her injuries.
Upon receiving information from the local community policing forum, the police rushed to the area and apprehended the two accused.
The pair initially faced charges of attempted murder but the offence has escalated to murder after the victim eventually passed on.
Deputy Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni acknowledged receiving a report about the incident.
