Citation

Redding S. J. South Afr. Stud. 2004; 30(3): 519-538.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/0305707042000254065

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article discusses the intimate causes of violence within the family in the Transkei by analysing specific court cases that illustrate the significance of common beliefs in supernatural powers in framing domestic disputes. The belief in women's potential for violence, both directly through physical means, but also indirectly through the use of supernatural powers, was the foundation for many familial disputes. People used witchcraft allegations and violence to isolate and eradicate causes of social disruption and to punish instigators. Although the argument mostly concerns the intimacy of familial or domestic violence, it indicates also how witchcraft accusations in the late 1950s and early 1960s crossed over into the realm of politics in an analogous attempt to isolate and remedy the supernatural causes of the broader social and economic problems created by state policies. People turned both witchcraft accusations and violence against state officials in the political unrest that emerged during those years.