MASERU — Police are investigating the death of a 78-year-old woman who they suspect was killed for ritual purposes.
The woman’s mutilated body was found dumped at Ha Leqele last Thursday.
The woman’s breasts, genitals and hands were missing.
Police spokesman Masupha Masupha said the deceased was reported missing by her relatives on February 28.
“Last Thursday villagers in Ha Leqele reported that a dog had been seen running around with a human head,” Masupha said.
A search around the valley led the police to the decomposed corpse of the woman.
The deceased was identified by the clothes she was reported to have been wearing on the day of her disappearance.
Masupha said the police had since arrested a couple that was staying with the woman who they suspect were behind the murder.
The two, together with the husband’s brother, had disappeared soon after the woman went missing.
The three suspects were arrested last week after the discovery of the body. They are expected to appear in court soon.
It is alleged the three murdered the woman under the instruction of a 25-year-old traditional healer.
Masupha said the police were now hunting for the traditional healer who fled when he realised his associates had been arrested.
He added the police had also found a blade they suspect was used in committing the crime hidden in a pit.
In a separate incident, the police said a body of a South African national was discovered in a valley at Ha Nqheku in Nazareth on March 3.
Villagers in Ha Nqheku reported to the police that a dog had been seen dragging a human leg.
The deceased was last seen in the company of a Mosotho man who lives at Ha Mosuoe last month.
Police suspect the deceased was shot and killed during an argument.
Police are still investigating the case.
