adminSukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
A BULILIMA traditional healer was allegedly axed to death by his patient who accused him of bewitching him. Twenty-one-year-old Elvis Khumalo from Ndolwane area struck Philemon Ndebele, 54, twice on the head with an axe and covered the body with tree branches in an abandoned field. Villagers who were passing through the area discovered his decomposing body three days later.
Khumalo allegedly murdered Ndebele on Wednesday last week and the body was discovered on Saturday morning. He is reported to have consulted the traditional healer sometime last year seeking his services.
A few months following the consultation, Khumalo started accusing Ndebele of bewitching him under the pretence of assisting him.
He reportedly went to Ndebele’s homestead demanding that the traditional healer reverse the spell that he had cast on him.
Khumalo appeared before Plumtree magistrate, Gideon Ruvetsa yesterday for an initial remand facing murder charges and was remanded in custody to January 31.
Prosecuting, Stanley Chinyanganya alleged that on the day of the incident Khumalo waylaid Ndebele while he was on his way to the fields.
He alleged Khumalo struck the traditional healer twice with an axe on the head which resulted in his death.
The State alleged Khumalo dragged the body and hid it 20 metres from the scene of the incident.
Chinyanganya said villagers who were passing through the area discovered that there was a foul smell and proceeded to investigate.
The court heard that they found Ndebele’s body which was in its early stages of decomposition.
They alerted the police who attended the scene and discovered some footprints in the area.
Chinyanganya said the police detectives followed the footprints which led them to Khumalo’s place of residence.
“Upon carrying out investigations the police found Khumalo still in possession of the blood stained axe which resulted in his immediate arrest,” he said.
Upon his arrest Khumalo led the police detectives to the scene and pointed out where he had allegedly murdered the traditional healer before concealing his body, the State alleged.
Chinyanganya said Khumalo also revealed that his intention was revenge as Ndebele had bewitched him. He pointed out that since consulting Ndebele he was almost struck by lightning on several occasions.
Online Reporter