MATHE - A man was arrested at Mathe Village for allegedly killing a pensioner after accusing him of practising witchcraft.

According to Insp. Phillip Morolo, a 34-year-old man, Mr Alfred Mashao, was arrested and charged for the murder of Dimakatso Maratele (72).

He appeared in court on Friday and the case was postponed to a later date. It is alleged that the suspect met the deceased, who was in the company of his daughter. He allegedly confronted the deceased and his daughter accused him of practising witchcraft.

He allegedly said that Maratele was responsible for the deaths of the people in the village.

He then assaulted the deceased with his fists, after telling him that he was going to kill him on that day. The deceased's daughter tried to interfere and was allegedly also assaulted. It is stated that he hit the deceased till he fell to the ground. He allegedly kicked the helpless man brutally, until he lost consciousness. He was later taken to hospital, where he was certified dead on arrival.