Witchcraft scare as names of family members buried in containers

MBABANE – A misunderstanding between two friends led to the shocking discovery of the names of five family members buried in a garden at Siphocosini.

 Information gathered suggests that the names were buried by a family member in five Vaseline containers with the intent to allegedly hinder the success of his relatives. It has been reported that, to prevent his family members from prospering, Mfanasibili Sibandze hired foreign traditional healers from outside the country to facilitate the ritual.The secret reportedly came to light after Mduduzi, a friend of Sibandze, confided in Sipho Dlamini, whose name was among those found buried in Vaseline containers in the garden. It is said that Mduduzi took the bold decision after observing the consequences two years following the rituals.

The matter was deemed so serious that it was reported to the police, who launched an intense investigation. This led to the retrieval of the five containers, each containing a name written on a piece of paper and placed inside an oily stuff along with what appeared to be dead animals.

Police investigations resulted in the arrest of Sibandze in connection with the Witchcraft Act. He appeared before the Mbabane National Court and pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, he later changed his plea and admitted to his actions.

Sibandze claimed that he initially denied the offence out of fear for his life. When asked why he blocked the success of his family members, he explained that he acted out of anger but did not specify the actual reason for his actions. He pleaded for the court’s leniency and apologised for his conduct.

The Mbabane National Court President, Two Minutes Shongwe, sought to determine whether the witchcraft directed at the family members could be reversed. This inquiry was prompted by the fact that none of the family members had experienced success over the past two years despite their hard work. Shongwe summoned the area’s royal kraal and the affected family members. The court also endeavoured to establish the whereabouts of the traditional healer hired to perform the rituals. It transpired that the healer, known only as Makama, resides outside the country and hardly visits Eswatini.

The court gathered that Makama had a girlfriend in Eswatini, known as LaSacolo, who also practices traditional healing. LaSacolo explained that Makama rarely visits Eswatini due to travel restrictions, and when he does, it can take up to 11 months for him to return.

She indicated that the family could potentially be delivered from the curse and freed but emphasised that it would require considerable effort and proper communication with the ancestors (bogogo), who permitted the ritual to occur. LaSacolo noted that reversing the curse could not be done automatically and questioned who would bear the costs involved.

The court decided to leave the matter in the hands of the royal kraal and the affected family, while emphasising the importance of cleansing the affected family members. Shongwe urged the family to resolve the issue amicably.

Regarding the Witchcraft Act, Sibandze was sentenced to one year imprisonment, with an option to pay a fine of E2 000.