Seven Receive Life Imprisonment For Setting Fire To Sisters Amid Witchcraft Claims

Seven Receive Life Imprisonment For Setting Fire To Sisters Amid Witchcraft Claims

On July 12, 2024, the High Court of the Eastern Cape Division in Mthatha sentenced Lwandiso Mzaza (29), Lufefe Mzaza (28), Zithini Rhayisa (34), Yamkela Nonjojo (31), Odwa Nonjojo (34), Anelisiwe Nonjojo (32), and Mkhonzeni Ngcabangcosi (24) for their roles in the crime.

According to Luxolo Tyali, NPA Regional Spokesperson for the Eastern Cape, the court found the group guilty of two counts of murder and arson, resulting in two life sentences and an additional ten years, to run concurrently.

“The Mzazas and Nonjojos are biological brothers, and all the convicted individuals hail from the Ngonyama Administrative Area in EmaXesibeni,” the statement noted.

On December 12, 2018, the group held two meetings led by Lwandiso Mzaza, where they decided to kill the sisters by burning them due to accusations of witchcraft. They pooled money to purchase petrol for the attack, targeting the sisters and their home.

That night, Nothethisa Ntshamba was at home with her husband, three children, and her sister, Ntombekhaya Ndlanya. As Nothethisa accompanied her sister home, they were ambushed by the group, assaulted, and set ablaze. The group also torched the Ntshamba residence.

During the trial, all accused pleaded not guilty, raising questions about their identification due to the nighttime circumstances. Rhayisa, who had confessed to the police, later attempted to distance herself from the events, leading to a trial-within-a-trial. The court ultimately accepted her confession as admissible, supported by eyewitness testimonies, including those of the deceased’s children.

Senior State Advocate Mbulelo Nyendwa highlighted the prevalence of violence against women accused of witchcraft in the Eastern Cape and across the country. He emphasized the trauma experienced by the victims’ children, who not only lost their mothers but also face community stigma.

Judge Nozuko Mjali concurred, asserting that no self-respecting state can condone such actions and that the accused deserved severe punishment to protect society from those who disrespect the law.