By Anita Dangazele
- Sidiki was dragged from her home in Ngcobo’s Luthuthu locality on 17 May by family members who believed she had killed someone through witchcraft.
- Women heard in a video circulating on social media are seen attacking her, with one saying she must die the same way she kills others.
A 75-year-old woman was beaten and drowned by family members who accused her of witchcraft. Her name was Nokhansala Sidiki. She was taken from her home.
The attack happened on the morning of 17 May at Zadungeni A/A in the Luthuthu locality of Ngcobo in the Eastern Cape.
“It is alleged that the victim, identified as Ms Nokhansala Sidiki, was taken from her home by certain family members and taken to a nearby stream. There, she was accused of witchcraft, assaulted with a plank, and subsequently drowned. Her body was found naked next to the stream with bruises to the head and face, as well as strangulation marks on the neck,” said Police Spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana.
Gantana added that the case is being investigated by the SAPS Detective Unit.
“Witness statements are being obtained, and forensic evidence has been collected from the scene,” she added.
A video circulating on social media appears to show the attack. Women heard in the video suggest the killing was tied to a belief that Sidiki had caused someone’s illness or death. One woman can be heard asking how someone could watch a person suffer through an excruciating stomachache while being given Panado through the night. Another says the victim and the ill person were so close that no one would have suspected her. A third says Sidiki must die the same way she kills others.
The suspects fled the scene. No arrests have been made.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata called the attack savage and deeply disturbing. He said accusing someone of witchcraft and taking the law into your own hands is both illegal and inhuman.
“We will leave no stone unturned until those responsible are arrested and face the full might of the law,” Ncata said. “Silence makes you complicit.”
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or report anonymously via the MySAPS app.
Pictured above: Police are investigating the murder of 75-year-old Nokhansala Sidiki in Ngcobo, Eastern Cape.
Image source: Supplied
