A 36 YEAR-OLD TRADITIONAL HEALER ARRESTED FOR RAPING A 16 YEAR-OLD INITIATE AT GA-MATIPANE

GA-MATIPANE: The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended Mokwakwaila Police’ for a swift response in the apprehension of a 36 year-old male Traditional Healer (Sangoma) in connection with the rape of a 16 year-old initiate.

It is alleged that the Traditional Healer raped the initiate on Tuesday 12 September 2023.

According to reports the incident took place at the residence of the Traditional Healer in Ga-Matipane village under Mopani District after he approached a 16 year-old initiate and requested to have sex with her in order to remove the evil spirits as she was bewitched.

The teenager did not consent to his request but the suspect seemingly forced himself and later raped her. Afterwards, the victim went home and informed her mother about the ordeal and the matter was immediately reported to the Police

A rape case was opened and Police’ commenced with a massive manhunt of the Traditional Healer which resulted to his arrest while at his residence in Ga-Matipane village on Thursday 14 September 2023.

“I am delighted about the arrest of the Traditional Healer who took advantage of a vulnerable victim who was supposed to be assisted, guided and protected by individuals like him, people who are trusted in the Society. Let the law take its course and people like him deserve to be permanently removed from the society” Concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe .

The suspect will appear before Bolobedu Magistrate Court on Monday 18 September 2023 facing a charge of rape.

Police investigations are continuing.