Residents protest against ritual murderers

Residents of Tshifudi, Gaba and Tshaulu outside Thohoyandou in South Africa protested over police's alleged failure to stop muthi murders in the area.

Daily Sun reported that the unruly protesters said they had had enough of muthi killings and wanted those responsible behind bars.

They blockaded roads with burning tyres and soon protesters were seen looting local spazas.

The community alleged that no less than eight people had been killed or had gone missing at the hands of alleged muthi killers in recent years.

Speaking to Daily Sun, protesters cited the missing person's case of madala Alpheus Masindi (71) of Tshaulu, who disappeared in 2010.

"Residents believe he was murdered for muthi," said a resident who did not want to be named.

Another recent case saw the discovery of Nelson Netshilaphala's body, also from Tshaulu, who went missing on 18 July. His body was found two days later in a river. His family claimed his body had parts missing.

Tshaulu police spokesman Warrant Officer Tshilidzi Mphoshomali said the situation in the area was still volatile but under control.

"We had a meeting with community stakeholders and agreed that three cases would be transferred from Tshaulu and handled at cluster level.

"With regard to the latest case of the man whose body was found floating in a river, we are still waiting for post mortem results," he said.

Mphoshomali said the man in the river had all his body parts intact.

He added that cops had not yet arrested anybody in connection with the violent protests.

"We've received reports of two houses and a tavern that were burned to the ground. Two other taverns were broken into and plundered," he said.