THOHOYANDOU – The High Court in Thohoyandou sentenced six people to lifetime imprisonment for killing a person for ritual purposes.

Judge Ephraim Makgoba sentenced Thanyani Mahamba (36), Tshililo Tshinakaho Joyce Matoro Mushidzhi (44) Nyadzani Azwifarwi Sampson Mutshayi (51), Azwidowi Muthu Samuel Muofhe (31), Nthatheni Colbert Matoro (34) and Nnditsheni Gerson Tshakwata (40), all of the Thengwe area in Mutale, to lifelong imprisonment for murdering Tshavhungwe Mudangawe Mafunise on 16 January, 2001 at the Mutale river.

It was revealed that on 16 January, 2001, at Tshikundamalema the accused all acted with a common purpose and did unlawfully and intentionally kill Mafunise along the Mutale River. Her decomposed body was discovered near the river, three days later.

Before the sentencing, Adv Ratshilumela Makhera said the state remarked that South Africa was now a democratic and open country which abhors all types of conspiracies, which lead to murder and ritual murders. He said the community couldn't allow that to be perpetuated forever while recommending that the accused needed to be removed from the society.

Adv Simon Dzumba, who was representing the accused, asked for mercy for all of his clients.

Before giving the sentence, Makgoba started by congratulating the police for the good job they have done that led to the sentencing. Makgoba said the community should start recognising the good work done by the police instead of focusing on negative things only.

He said the murder was not just an ordinary event, but a well planned ritual murder. As a servant of the community, he said he was bound to invoke the provision of the law by sentencing the accused to a life-time imprisonment.