A 47-year-old Eastern Cape man has been sentenced to an effective 20 years in prison for murdering his 68-year-old mother after accusing her of witchcraft.

The Mthatha High Court convicted the man, identified only as Ndesi, of murder and imputing witchcraft under the Witchcraft Suppression Act, according to IOL, citing SAPS spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela.

Court hears mother was killed during family ceremony

The Mthatha witchcraft murder case arose from events on the morning of 25 July 2025 in Caca Location, Mhlontlo. According to Mgolodela, Ndesi arrived at his homestead while relatives were preparing for a traditional ceremony.

The court heard that he confronted his mother and accused her of witchcraft. Mgolodela said Ndesi was under the influence of alcohol before he took out a knife and fatally stabbed her.

Police arrested him after the killing. He remained in custody until the court finalised the case and sentenced him.

The court imposed a cumulative sentence of 28 years. However, because the sentences will run concurrently, Ndesi will serve an effective 20-year jail term. The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

Witchcraft law forms part of conviction

The Mthatha witchcraft murder case also involved a conviction for imputing witchcraft. South Africa’s Witchcraft Suppression Act 3 of 1957 provides for the suppression of witchcraft and similar practices, according to the South African Government’s legislation portal.

The Act came into effect on 22 February 1957 and has since been amended, including through the Witchcraft Suppression Amendment Act of 1970 and the Abolition of Corporal Punishment Act of 1997.

Researchers have also warned that witchcraft-related violence in some Eastern Cape communities has placed older women at risk. A 2022 study published on SciELO found that such accusations can leave elderly women isolated, verbally abused and vulnerable to physical attacks.

Police welcome sentence

District Commissioner Major General Rudolph Adolph welcomed the sentence. He said it should deter would-be offenders and help curb crimes against elderly people.

“The sentence will serve as a deterrent to would-be offenders. Hefty sentences are necessary in order to curb despicable and heinous crimes against elderly people,” Adolph said, according to IOL.

The Mthatha witchcraft murder sentence comes amid continuing concern about violence against older people, especially where accusations of witchcraft are involved.