A 47-year-old man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted of murdering his elderly mother in a case that the court said was fuelled by accusations of witchcraft.
Samuel Ndesi was found guilty in the Mthatha High Court of killing his 68-year-old mother, Retuie Ndesi, during a violent confrontation at their family home in Caca Location, Mhlontlo, in July 2025.
The court heard that on the morning of July 25, 2025, Ndesi arrived at the homestead where a traditional ceremony was being prepared. What began as a family gathering quickly turned into a deadly altercation.
Under the influence of alcohol, Ndesi allegedly confronted his mother and accused her of bewitching him and other family members. The argument escalated, and he fatally stabbed her with a knife.
The court also found him guilty under the Witchcraft Suppression Act for imputing witchcraft.
Ndesi was arrested shortly after the incident and remained in custody until his sentencing on Friday, 8 May 2026. He received eight years for imputing witchcraft and 20 years for murder, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently, resulting in an effective 20-year prison term. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Chris Hani District Commissioner Major General Rudolph Adolph welcomed the sentence, saying it should serve as a deterrent.
“The sentence will serve as a deterrent to would-be offenders. Hefty sentences are necessary to curb these despicable and heinous crimes against elderly people,” he said.
The case has once again highlighted the deadly consequences that can arise when accusations of witchcraft turn violent within families.