In a shocking and horrifying incident, an 85-year-old woman and her 90-year-old husband lost their lives on Monday, 12 February 2024, after their home became the alleged target of an arson attack.
The elderly couple were allegedly burned to death by a group of individuals who accused the woman of practising witchcraft.
According to an official police source, the authorities were alerted to the situation after the couple’s Osizweni-based residence was set ablaze at around 1:30 am.
Upon arriving at the scene in Dicks Halt, Osizweni, the police discovered the house engulfed in flames. The lifeless body of the elderly man had already been removed, while firefighters worked diligently to extinguish the inferno. It was only after the fire was under control that the remains of the 85-year-old woman were recovered.
Providing insights into the events leading up to the horrific crime, the police source revealed that the couple’s grandson, who had been away watching a soccer match, noticed smoke emanating from his grandparents’ home on his way back. “He explained that a man who was known to him then came from the direction of the house, and informed him that a group of people had set the house alight to burn the witch, meaning his grandmother,” the source elaborated.
In a state of shock, the grandson rushed to the scene, only to find that the perpetrators had already fled. He sought help from neighbours, who joined him in contacting the authorities.
Captain Sipho Nkosi, spokesperson for the Osizweni South African Police Service (SAPS), addressed the incident, stating that a comprehensive investigation is underway. “The exact cause of the fire is still to be confirmed, and we are following up on all information. We are aware of the allegations of witchcraft, and this motive is still to be confirmed,” Captain Nkosi explained. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the tragic incident.
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