Man Acquitted in Mother’s Death After Witchcraft Dispute

• A Bulawayo man was acquitted in his mother’s death case.
• Amad Nyathi claimed self-defense during the confrontation.
• Magistrate ruled there was no intention to kill during the fight.

Court finds no criminal liability in family dispute over witchcraft.

Court Ruling on Self-Defense in Mother’s Death A Bulawayo magistrate has ruled in favor of a man acquitted of killing his mother amid a heated argument over witchcraft. Amad Nyathi, aged 47, found himself on trial for culpable homicide linked to the death of his 69-year-old mother, Sikhangele Nyathi, who died after a conflict that was anything but ordinary, occurring on January 13, 2017. The case drew significant attention due to the bizarre nature of the events leading to the tragic incident, which unfolded in front of shocked neighbors who later served as witnesses in the trial.

Confrontation escalates leading to tragic confrontation.

Allegations of Witchcraft and Violence The case initially emerged from long-standing familial tension, where Amad had allegedly invited self-proclaimed prophets into their home. These prophets claimed Sikhangele was responsible for a series of deaths within the family, intensifying a dispute that seemed almost surreal. During the altercation, Sikhangele reportedly became increasingly aggressive, using a walking stick as a weapon, ultimately leading to her son feeling threatened for his life.

Defense highlights the strange circumstances surrounding the case.

The Incident and Final Ruling Neighbors turned spectators, watching as Sikhangele apparently lost her composure, allegedly assaulting her son and claiming bizarre things about having consumed flesh. Witnesses testified that Sikhangele was aggressive, a fact that led Amad to wrestle the stick from her grasp. Despite her severe injuries leading eventually to her death, the magistrate concluded that Amad’s actions were purely defensive, a tragic resolution to an already complex family dispute, which culminated in a ruling that he is not criminally liable for his mother’s demise.

This case encapsulates a family tragedy that merges elements of alleged witchcraft and domestic violence. The ruling underscored the complexities surrounding self-defense, particularly in cases that involve mental health and family dynamics. With no criminal charges against Amad Nyathi, the case raises further questions regarding societal perceptions of witchcraft and its implications on family relations in Zimbabwe.