Occult-related crimes have no place in SA says Cabinet

Cabinet has decried the spread of occult-related crimes in South Africa says Phumla Williams. Image: GCIS

"Such practices have no place in our country. Given that the Constitution enshrines the right to life, any person found to have committed such a crime will be dealt with to the full extent of the law," Acting Cabinet spokesperson Phumla Williams said on Thursday (6 March).

She was briefing media following an ordinary meeting of Cabinet this week.

The two schoolgirls, Thandeka Moganetsi, 15, and Chwayita Rathazayo, 16, were found dumped in Dobsonville and had cuts on their hands and necks. Police also found black candles and razor blades at the scene.

Two teenage boys have been arrested in connection with the murder and have already made three court appearances.

Gauteng police said occult-related crimes are on the increase. They are currently investigating 48 cases in the province.

Last week, Lieutenant-Colonel Hennie de Jager, from the SAPS provincial detective services, told media that police have, in the last three months alone, dealt with 78 enquiries and interviewed 452 people with regard to these crimes.

"The provincial harmful and religious practise investigators are currently investigating 48 dockets and in seven dockets, there were 10 arrests and four have been successfully finalised in court, with sentences ranging from 15 years to life imprisonment," said De Jager.

The unit is responsible for investigating cases dealing with harmful practices where there is no physical evidence.

This is in addition to investigating muti murders; spectral evidence, including spiritual intimidation and astral coercion; curses intended to cause harm; voodoo; vampirism; harmful cult behaviour; animal mutilation and sacrifice where evidence of occult involvement is believed to be indicated; human sacrifice as well as the interpretation of alleged occult signatures.