MPUMALANGA has put the drafting of the Witchcraft Suppression Bill of 2007 on hold until further notice.

“We are at a stage where we think more consultation and research needs to be done,” Department of Local Government spokesperson Simphiwe Kunene said.

He said the department would have further consultations on the matter with interested parties such as traditional healers, before it made its final determination.

The department had been mandated by the provincial executive council to prepare a Bill to address the high level of violence in the province caused by allegations of witchcraft, said Kunene.

“The subsequent step was that a discussion paper be prepared as a preliminary process of the legislative drafting of the Bill.”

Kunene said the department had already held consultations and done extensive research on the matter.

He urged those who would be affected by the Bill not to “go to the media” when certain matters were raised with them, but to discuss these with the department. — Sapa