Rustenburg - A case against two women accused of witchcraft was withdrawn when they appeared in the Jericho Magistrate’s Court north of Brits on Tuesday, North West police said on Tuesday.
The women were arrested in Bethanie near Brits on Friday after allegedly snatching a month-old baby girl from her mother’s bed before, according to reports, returning her to her home.
Residents torched the house of a traditional healer they accused of practicing witchcraft. The healer was believed to be the 19-year-old girl’s uncle.
Colonel Setlhako said police were investigating a case of arson and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, after a house was burnt by community members on Sunday, at Lullansville in Bethanie.
“It is alleged that members of the community went to the house of a traditional healer and accused him of witchcraft. According to the information available at this stage, it appears that approximately 300 community members threw stones at the two roomed house of the traditional healer who was with his brother and girlfriend at the house.
“The house was set alight while the trio were inside. The police managed to rescue them and took them to the police station while waiting for an ambulance.”
She said the traditional healer and his girlfriend sustained head injuries while the traditional healer’s brother had no visible injuries. They were taken to Brits hospital for medical treatment.
ANA