THE Dobsonville community in Soweto is in shock after a horrifying discovery.
An elderly man, known affectionately as madala, was found dead in an open field, sparking fears of ritualistic activity.
The discovery was made by a local on the morning of Monday, 23 April. The man was found with his hands and legs bound, his eyes gouged out, and a wound on his forehead.
He was dressed in black sneakers, blue jeans, a green T-shirt, and a light-green jacket. He's described as fair-skinned by the locals.
The nature of his death has led residents to suspect a ritual killing.
One resident said: "Other body parts were also missing. It's time for the community to act since the justice system is letting us down."
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Desperation for wealth is driving people to extreme measures, another community member said.
"It's tragic that people are willing to go to any lengths for money, losing all senses of morality. How can we say the murdered man should rest in peace, he won't find peace," she said.
Speculation is rife that some sangomas and traditional healers might be involved in the gruesome acts.
Sangoma Mkhulu Maswanganyi, speaking to Daily Sun, acknowledged that ritual killings do occur.
Mkhulu Maswanganyi condemned the practice.
"Sangomas should come together to combat this evil. It tarnishes our profession, often perpetrated by those using dark forces under the guise of traditional healing," Maswanganyi said.
Police spokeswoman Colonel Noxolo Kweza confirmed that a murder investigation is underway.
"No arrests have been made yet, but we're continuing our investigation," she said.
