Mbabane : The Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration/Integrity has called for urgent national intervention to protect older persons following the death of an 81-year-old woman who was allegedly assaulted over accusations of witchcraft in Lavumisa.
This is not the first incident where an elderly person has been attacked over witchcraft allegations in the country this year.
The Commission says the killing of the elderly woman identified as Julia Tsabedze represents a serious violation of fundamental human rights and reflects a dangerous persistence of harmful beliefs that place elderly people at risk of violence.
Speaking through Executive Secretary Phakama Shili, the Commission strongly condemned the incident, describing it as both unlawful and deeply troubling.
“The Commission expresses deep concern over reports that an 81-year-old woman, Julia Tsabedze, died after being assaulted by neighbours following accusations of witchcraft,” Shili said.
“The Commission extends condolences to the family and condemns this incident as a serious violation of the rights to life, dignity and security of person.”
The statement comes after police confirmed the arrest of two men aged 26 and 34 from Qomintaba in connection with the fatal assault.
According to police reports, the incident occurred on March 30, 2026, when Tsabedze allegedly left her home at night and was found wandering along a road in a confused state. It is alleged that the two suspects encountered her and accused her of practising witchcraft before assaulting her with an unknown object.
She sustained severe injuries to her head and body and was initially taken to Matsanjeni Health Centre before being transferred to Hlathikhulu Government Hospital, where she remained admitted for two weeks. She was discharged on April 15, 2026, but later died on April 25 due to complications linked to the injuries sustained during the attack.
A post-mortem examination was conducted as part of the investigation, which led to the arrest of the two suspects.
The Human Rights Commission said the incident highlights the continued danger posed by superstition-driven violence and mob justice, warning that no allegation can ever justify such acts.
“No allegation, whether based on superstition, rumour or personal grievance, can justify violence or vigilante action,” Shili said on behalf of the Commission. “Such acts undermine the rule of law, threaten community safety and erode constitutional protections for all individuals, particularly vulnerable groups such as older persons.”
The Commission further stressed that Eswatini must strengthen protections for elderly citizens, many of whom remain exposed to abuse rooted in harmful cultural beliefs.
It pointed to the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Older Persons in Africa, which sets out regional standards aimed at protecting older persons from discrimination, abuse and harmful traditional practices.
“The Protocol contains protections directly relevant to this case,” Shili noted. “Article 3 requires the elimination of discrimination and harmful stereotypes that marginalise older persons, while Article 8 obliges States to prohibit and eliminate harmful traditional practices, including witchcraft accusations.”
The Commission also highlighted Article 9, which recognises the vulnerability of older women, and Articles 12 and 13, which call for support systems for older caregivers and persons with disabilities. Article 19, it added, emphasises the importance of public awareness campaigns to change negative perceptions of ageing.
Shili said the Commission is urging government to accelerate both the ratification and domestic implementation of the protocol.
“The Commission therefore urges the Government to accelerate the ratification and domestication of the Protocol and to implement concrete measures that give effect to its provisions,” he said.
He added that a coordinated national approach is urgently needed, including prevention strategies, protection mechanisms and stronger accountability systems to address violence against older persons.
Central to this approach, the Commission said, must be sustained public education efforts aimed at dismantling beliefs that associate ageing with witchcraft.
“This incident highlights the urgent need to strengthen safeguards for older persons in Eswatini,” Shili said. “Central to this is the establishment of sustained public education and community engagement initiatives aimed at eliminating harmful beliefs that associate ageing with witchcraft and fostering a culture of respect for older persons.”
The Commission further called on communities to reject violence and resolve disputes through lawful means, warning that continued reliance on mob justice undermines both safety and justice systems.
“Protecting older persons is a shared responsibility, essential to building a just, safe and inclusive society,” Shili said.
As the case proceeds in court, the Commission has reiterated its call for accountability and due process, while urging broader reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The case has reignited concern over witchcraft-related violence in rural communities, with rights bodies warning that without stronger intervention, elderly persons will remain at risk of similar attacks.
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