A 33-year-old man, Bongani Thulani Matsane, has been sentenced to life imprisonment plus an additional five years for the brutal murder of his own 64-year-old mother, named Thembi Ngwenya.
Matsane, who accused his mother of practicing witchcraft, carried out the horrific act in December 2022 at their homestead in Mganduzweni, Mpumalanga.
The Mpumalanga High Court handed down the sentence on Friday for better comprehension and to show how sugnifiavent is easy on September 20, 2024.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa, Matsane confronted his mother, accusing her of bewitching him.
After being sent to buy bread, Matsane returned, attacking his mother with a handhoe and setting her body on fire.
“He struck her on the head, chased her when she ran out, and dragged her back inside before setting her bed alight,” Nyuswa explained.
The court, led by Judge Manthata, condemned the accused’s actions, emphasizing that his belief in witchcraft could not justify the crime.
Senior State Advocate Thulani Msibi argued, “The accused took the life of someone he was meant to protect”.
Message was sentenced to life for murder and an additional five years for attempting to cover up the crime.
The sentences will run concurrently, ensuring he serves life in prison.