Daughter Fears Killers of British Couple Will Strike Again After Alleged 'Black Magic' Ritual Murder

The daughter of an elderly British couple, Anthony and Gillian Dinnis, who were allegedly murdered and dismembered in South Africa in a suspected black magic ritual, has voiced fears that their killers will target others. The couple, aged 73 and 78, disappeared from their remote farm in Middelrus, KwaZulu-Natal, three years ago.

According to an alleged confession by one suspect, the couple were victims of a 'Muti' killing, a practice involving the use of body parts for black magic rituals believed to confer special powers. The family believes their fingers and ears were severed while they were still alive for a witch doctor, known as a Sangoma, before their bodies were dumped.

Kate Anderson, the couple's daughter, spoke out about the case, warning tourists visiting South Africa about the dangers of black magic gangs. She noted that a year prior to her parents' disappearance, British tourist Lorna McSorley vanished in the same region.

Anderson stated that authorities appear hesitant to address cases linked to black magic due to local superstitions, a situation she believes allows such crimes to persist and endanger more people, including tourists.

Anthony Dinnis's diary entries stopped on Sunday, August 27, 2023, and the couple were reported missing the following day. Upon arriving at the farm, there were no signs of a struggle, but Gillian Dinnis's walking stick was found, suggesting she may have been carried away. A week later, the family received a ransom demand for 2 million rand, which was later reduced to 50,000 rand. When Kate Anderson requested proof of life, there was no response.

The gardener was reportedly the last person to see the couple. Following the discovery of Gillian's SIM card in the gardener's phone at a nearby church, he and another suspect were arrested. Anderson claims to have seen the gardener's confession detailing the abduction, murder, and dismemberment for sale as 'muti' in Johannesburg.

A detective's affidavit from a March 2024 bail hearing stated the gardener admitted involvement in the kidnapping. However, the suspect later alleged police brutality, and a magistrate ruled the confession inadmissible. In June 2024, charges against the two men were withdrawn due to insufficient evidence, and the third suspect was never identified. Anderson expressed that the accused have evaded justice and could re-offend if in need of money.

Her warning follows concerns raised by the family of Lorna McSorley, who disappeared while hiking in the same KwaZulu-Natal province in September 2025. Ms. McSorley's brother, Geoff Sheward, is advocating for her case to be investigated as a murder rather than a missing persons inquiry, as the family remains in limbo without knowing her fate.

The northern area of KwaZulu-Natal is known for its strong 'muti' beliefs, where traditional medicine or magic is practiced. While most rituals involve plant or animal parts, some believe human body parts yield more potent results, sought after by individuals seeking power or protection.