Man Acquitted After Killing His Mother in Witchcraft Row

• Amad Nyathi acquitted of culpable homicide after defending himself.
• The confrontation that led to the killing stemmed from witchcraft accusations.
• Nyathi’s mother, Sikhangele, was believed to be possessed during the attack.

Court Rules Self-Defense in Bizarre Mother’s Death Case

In a case that has left many in Bulawayo shocked, a 47-year-old man named Amad Nyathi has been acquitted of culpable homicide in the death of his mother due to a fierce confrontation over witchcraft accusations. This incident unfolded on January 13, 2017, and the magistrate, Matthew Mutiro, ruled on Monday that Nyathi acted in self-defence, absolving him of any criminal wrongdoing. The court heard how, in a bewildering turn of events, a family feud turned deadly after his mother, 69-year-old Sikhangele Nyathi, seemed to be in a fit of rage, believed to be possessed by spirits during the argument.

Family Witchcraft Accusations Escalate to Violence

The conflict reportedly erupted when Nyathi had self-proclaimed prophets to his home, claiming that they identified his mother as the source of several tragic family deaths. Following advisement from these prophets, Nyathi decided to burn his mother’s altar garments as a means of cleansing the household, provoking a fierce backlash from Sikhangele. Witnesses indicated that she confronted him, attacking him with a walking stick and even trying to grab him inappropriately, actions that others observed with a mix of shock and fear as they believed she was under some form of possession.

Community Shocked by the Violent Family Encounter

Testimonies presented during the trial painted a picture of desperation and fear. Neighbour, Siphathisiwe Mhlanga, testified that she viewed Nyathi fleeing from their home, bleeding from multiple head injuries inflicted by his mother’s assault. As Mhlanga recounted, the elderly woman had not only attacked him with a stick but even hurled a brick at him while gripped by some delusional state, claiming disturbing things related to her family history. Ultimately, the court found that Nyathi had no intention to harm his mother but rather was trying to defend himself against an unprovoked attack, highlighting the tragic nature of the circumstances.

Ultimately, the court’s ruling highlighted the contentious relationship between Nyathi and his mother, exacerbated by disturbing allegations regarding witchcraft. With all witness testimonies supporting Nyathi’s claim of self-defence, he now walks free after a long and harrowing ordeal. This strange case has caused ripples throughout the community, challenging perceptions of familial duty and the lengths one may go to in defending oneself from perceived danger.