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One of the traditional healers arrested in the Mafukani ritual murder case made a special bail application at the Mutale Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Unfortunately for Balanganani Joseph Munyai (84), of Khubvi, who is accused number four in the case, he was again remanded in custody for another bail application next week Wednesday (14 December).

His other three accomplices, Shumani Dzebu (31) of Muledzhi, Mukondeleli Phosha (54) of Tshidzini and Tshimomo Munyai of Tshandama, will also apply for bail in the same court on December 30.

The case relates to an incident in which the headless body of a 40-year-old man was found at Mafukani village, north of Tshilamba, on November 7, last year. The legs, ribs and hands were also cut off.

The drama of the ritual murder drama unfolded when Dzebu and Phosha were arrested in connection with the ritual murder of a promising soccer star, Maanda Sendedza (25), whose mutilated body was found in the bushes at Shadani last month. The two were charged with murder after they were allegedly found in possession of the late Sendedza’s private parts, tongue, clothes and cell phone. They were also allegedly found in possession of Nyilisani Sidimela’s removed lips. She is receiving treatment in Gauteng. While they were in police custody, Phosha and Dzebu cooperated with the police and disclosed that they are not the only ones involved in ritual killings, but there are other local traditional healers who kill people and sell their body parts. This resulted in the arrest of other two traditional healers, Balanganani Munyai and Tshimomo Munyai

The suspects led the police to a spot at Tshidzini village, on the banks of the Ngwedi River, where the hidden remains of the unidentified man were recovered.

The state argued that Balanganani could not be given bail at this stage, given the seriousness of the crime, because the investigating officer has not yet completed gathering all the relevant evidence. It was also revealed that Balanganani’s release can affect the gathering of evidence and as such, he needs to be kept in custody until the investigations are complete. The state also argued that they need more time to gather more information; hence, it is still premature to deliberate about bail. The state further indicated that there is a key witness in Gauteng who still has to give evidence and they are afraid that, if Balanganani is released on bail, his release might interfere with the investigations.

Balangani’s lawyer, who cannot be named at this stage, argued that his client has been kept in jail unnecessarily since he was arrested on November 18. He said the incomplete evidence cannot be a stumbling block for the release of his client since the key witness is in the country. He said that this cannot be an excuse because Mutale is an independent police station like others in South Africa and as such they are entitled to benefits received by other stations. He also argued that the state can easily access the witness because the evidence is urgent and confidential. However, he gave the state seven days to put their house in order for the preparation of another bail application.

 

 

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