Sangoma wants R8 000

2004-12-14 13:11

Bismark Lubisi

Malelane - An Mpumalanga sangoma is demanding R8 000 in compensation after his community accused him of witchcraft, torched his practice and evicted him from his home.

William Mahlabane, 67, of Langeloop, south of Malelane, has appealed for help from the Mtfuntini tribal authority.

He was accused of bewitching a 17-year-old girl who died last month of unknown causes.

He was also accused of threatening to bewitch his alleged lovers' husbands.

Mahlabane said he had met with the local tribal chief or induna and some of his alleged attackers to discuss the damage to his practice.

"I've lost everything that I've built up over the past 20 years and I want them to compensate me for the loss," said Mahlabane.

He said he had dropped the criminal charges when the villagers indicated they would repay him.

"If I don't get my money I'll go back to the police and re-open the case," he warned.

Skins and blood

But one of the villagers, Green Sibanze, says the practice wasn't worth that much.

"He should get a quotation," said Sibanze. "The animal skins and blood in bottles aren't even worth R1 000."

He's also annoyed that only he and three other villagers were arrested for the arson attack, when there were more than 30 people in the mob.

Sibanze and the other three villagers were acquitted last month on charges of arson and charges related to the suppression of witchcraft act when Mahlabane dropped the case.

The local induna, Makhundu Shongwe, has meanwhile asked Mahlabane to leave the village for his own safety and that the payment will be settled later.

Tonga police spokesperson Amos Mashele warns that it might be difficult for Mahlabane to reopen the case if he's not paid.

"People must realise they can't just wait the state's time," he said.

- African Eye