The lived experiences of elderly women accused of witchcraft in a rural community in South Africa

This study examines the experiences, fear of being killed, and reactions towards accusations elderly women, accused witchcraft. The respondents were women with an average age 65 years who had retired in rural South Africa. They responded to semi-structured interview questions, aimed at documenting insults, hurled them daily by members community. Thematic analysis indicated community’s hostile reaction women. following themes corresponding sub-themes established: demographics, cultural factors, old circumstances, surrounding death; socio-economic poverty, unemployment, jealousy. Based on their personal community did not have concrete evidence accusations, which stemmed from external over they no control. These findings explained as authorities protecting victims against all accusations. witchcraft happened despite protection constitution, bill rights relevant legislation. In conclusion law enforcement agencies must enforce protect communities.