Report from muti murder team

2006-08-04 09:04

Thohoyandou - The task team investigating ritual murders in Limpopo will submit its first report to Premier Sello Moloto at the end of the month.

Moloto commissioned the task team to conduct preliminary investigations into more than 100 ritual murder cases dating back to 1994.

The report will contain recommendations for each case, said provincial police spokesperson, Senior Superintendent Motlafela Mojapelo on Thursday.

"What we are doing now is studying each docket to find out if proper procedures were followed and if they warrant re-investigation," he said. "All recommendations will be relayed to the Premier at the end of August."

The massive resources and financial muscle being put into the task team, had done little to stop the ritual murders that take place in the province.

On 9 July in Mulodi outside Thohoyandou, police found the mutilated body of 38-year-old Shonisani Thinandavha - her right hand, left ear, nipples and upper lip missing.

Her body parts are believed to have been harvested for sale on the black market. Some people believe that body parts make powerful muti that can ward off evil or bring one wealth, health and happiness.

"It's ridiculous belief," said Mojapelo. "People must work hard to get rich, not kill innocent people for their body parts."

Genitals, tongue removed

In Thohoyandou, a bishop and two sangomas have been arrested in connection with a muti murder.

The victim's genitals and tongue were removed, while his girlfriend's lips were cut, but she survived.

Bishop Joseph Tanzwani who heads the Holiness Apostolic Church, as well sangomas Mukondeleli Phosha, 54, and Shumani Dzebu, 31, will be tried in the High Court in Thohoyandou in September.

They have not yet been asked to plead on charges of murder, attempted murder, robbery, conspiracy to murder and possession of human body parts.

Mojapelo said all the cases the task team were investigating are in the Vhembe district around Thohoyandou.

"We have experienced detectives working on the cases and we have made some progress," he said.

- African Eye