Modern Mysteries

Young woman 'set on fire' over witchcraft fears

By T.K. Randall
November 13, 2020 ·  5 comments

Being accused of witchcraft is a big deal in South Africa. Image Credit: Facebook / Millbury Fire Dept While witchcraft is generally uncommon in the modern age, those who do practice it can typically do so without the fear of punishment and death that was typical of societies hundreds of years ago.

There are however parts of the world in which witchcraft is still heavily shunned.

Such attitudes were brought into sharp focus recently when a 27-year-old woman in Durban, South Africa was attacked, doused with petrol and set on fire after being accused of being a witch.

The local police department has since opened an attempted murder investigation.

"A 27-year-old victim was allegedly assaulted and burnt with petrol by members of the community," said KZN police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala."The victim was accused by the community of being involved in witchcraft."

"She was taken to hospital for medical attention."

The incident echoes the case of three women in KwaZulu-Natal who in 2018 were murdered because they were believed to be involved in witchcraft. All three died after being set on fire.

It is unclear whether or not the person(s) responsible have been brought to justice.

Source: iol.co.za | Comments (5)

Tags: Witchcraft