Man beheads friend for muti

Durban - A KwaZulu-Natal man is accused of luring his friend to a secluded forest, hacking him to death with a panga and, with the help of a traditional healer, using his severed head for muti, News24 reported.  

While investigating the disappearance of Nawaaz Khan, 23, of Umzinto, police found his body in a thicket at the weekend.

Police spokesperson Colonel Jay Naicker said detectives investigating Khan's disappearance had been looking for one of his friends.  

"All efforts to find him [Khan] proved futile. It is alleged that he was last seen in the company of a close friend and this weekend, while being interviewed by detectives, the friend broke down and led them to a forest in neighbouring Isonti," he said.  

Naicker said the suspect had consulted a traditional healer who said a human head was required to "solve his problems".

"The traditional healer and Khan's friend lured Khan to the crime scene in Isonti.

"While there, Khan was attacked with a bush knife and beheaded. His cellphones, clothing and shoes were taken by his attackers. Neither the head nor the bush knife has been recovered," he said.

Naicker said the 21-year-old suspect is expected to appear in the Umzinto Magistrate's Court on Tuesday. He apparently made a full confession.

"Police have launched a manhunt for the traditional healer who is on the run. He is known to the detectives, who expect to take him into custody soon. They are hopeful that his arrest will lead to the victim's head and the murder weapon being recovered," Naicker said.