‘Troubling link’ between gang violence, rituals in Newcastle
Community safety officials in KZN
have raised concerns over what they describe as a troubling
link between gang violence and ritual practices involving traditional healers
in Newcastle.
The department's Phumzile Xaba-Makhetha said, according to their research in the Osizweni area, some young perpetrators have been turning to practitioners for help.
She said the spike in violent crimes in the area has been alarming.
"One of the things that was coming out is that there are traditional healers in that area who are giving these young kids Umuthi to make them powerful, and also to make them not be afraid to do these things," said Xaba-Makhetha.
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"And also, they were saying that they're giving them what is called an Amabhande, which is full of Umuthi.
"So, they will put this Amabhande, and then these will make them rise. They can do anything. So, there were these reports that were coming from the community."
Xaba-Makhetha said KZN Premier Thami Ntuli will hold a roundtable with traditional healers from the area on Tuesday morning at Osizweni Community Hall in Newcastle to address the issue.
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