Eyes, skin, and blood: inside SA's well-known ritual murder cases

1. LUKHONA FOSE (2025) In June 2025, 14-year-old Lukhona Fose's mutilated body was discovered in Roodepoort. The South African Police Service's Occult-Related Crimes Unit was called in to investigate, as her genitalia had been removed. Authorities are considering whether the crime was motivated by hatred or linked to ritualistic practices.

- SATURDAY STAR REPORTER

2. JOSHLIN SMITH (2024) Last month, the mother of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, Kelly Smith, was sentenced to life in prison for trafficking her daughter. It was alleged that the girl was delivered to a sangoma who desired her eyes and skin. Joshlin has still not been found.

3. JEROBEJIN VAN WYK (2022) Daniel Smit was convicted of the murder of 13-year-old Jerobejin van Wyk. Smit, a self-confessed cultist, claimed he killed the boy under the influence of cult teachings. He was sentenced to multiple charges, including premeditated murder.

4. ELECTUS PER DEUS CULT case (2012-2017) The Electus Per Deus cult, led by Cecilia Steyn, was involved in a series of murders in Krugersdorp. The cult's actions attracted intense media scrutiny and led to multiple convictions for murder, fraud, and related crimes and also inspired the true-crime documentary series Devilsdorp, which delves into the cult’s dark beliefs.