Minister decries ritual murders

MINISTER of Public Services and Administration Faith Muthambi yesterday condemned ritual killings at the funeral service of Rhandzu Manganyi in Gumbani Village near Malamulele, Limpopo.

Rhandzu, 16, was found dead in the Shingwedzi River with several of her body parts removed.

Muthambi urged the community to work together to fight ritual killings. “Whoever said that if people commit ritual murders become rich killed our society. We call upon all stakeholders to work together to end this practice.”

She called on religious leaders to pray for an end to such killings. “As the government, we are asking for pastors to pray for our municipalities, province and the entire country to stop such barbaric acts.”

Muthambi was accompanied by traditional leaders and the mayor of Lim 345, Joyce Bila.

SADC Traditional Healers’ Union president Sylvester Hlathi urged traditional healers not to buy body parts.

“If people come to you and sell body parts, you must inform the police,” he said.

Hlathi pledged to build a fourroom house for the Manganyi family, who share one hut among nine of them.

Local chief Hosi Richard Chauke, of Mokhumi village, said he was upset by the murder.

“As the traditional leadership, we are so touched by the passing of Rhandzu in such a horrific manner. We thought that when she grew up, she would be a doctor or an engineer and help develop this area,” said Chauke.

Rhandzu was a Grade 6 pupil at Hlawulekani Primary School.

Principal Lawrence Hlungwani described Rhandzu as a disciplined and respectful child.

“As the school, we are so saddened by the horrific death of Rhandzu,” he said.

Community leader Moses Shivambu said the community was in shock over the murder.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlalefela Mojapelo said the search for the killers was continuing.