The court has on Thursday ordered a 33-year-old man Molefe Matebesi from Ketane Ha-Matebesi, to repair his aunt’s house, Mamasole Matebesi, after burning it down on allegations of witchcraft in September, 2023.

A 78-year-old Mamasole stated that it was about 10 in the evening and was praying, covering her head with blankets, but upon removing them she noticed some light coming from the roof of her Rondavel house.

She further noted that she rushed to the door in desperation to open it but it was tied with something from the outside, nevertheless managed to open it by pulling the lower part, then asked for help, and her property was moved into another house by the neighbours.

On the other hand, Matebesi who pleaded guilty to the counts against him, informed the court that after setting the house alight, he ran back to his house but came back and helped those who were trying to put out the fire, noting his secret became known to the public after he felt guilty and confided in his sibling and one relative who advised the latter to report himself to the police.

Matebesi informed the court that he had been suffering from a painful leg, and consulted a traditional healer who notified him that the source of his troubles is his aunt, he however pleaded for mercy citing he has a wife and child who rely on him.

The court ordered Matebesi to pay M4000.00 or 3 years in prison, but the fine was suspended on condition that he repairs the house within a period of 6 months.

Matebesi is charged with contravening Section 73 read with Section 109 of Penal Code Act No:6 of 2010, and contravening Section 22 (1) read with Section 40(1), and the case is before Chief Magistrate Manyathela Kolobe and Sehlooho Mathe for Public Prosecution.