Limpopo traditional healer sentenced to 25 years for raping a minor

The Burgersfort Regional Court has sentenced a 54-year-old traditional healer from Sekopung Village to 25 years’ imprisonment for raping a 10-year-old girl.

The court convicted the man in December 2025 after hearing evidence linked to the July 2023 incident.

How the crime unfolded

Police said the child was visiting her aunt when the traditional healer called her to help prepare a fire. He then led her to another room, where he raped her.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the accused’s wife became suspicious after their prolonged absence, investigated, and found the child in tears.

Police received the report and arrested the accused. Sergeant Letsatsi Mojalefa of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit led the investigation.

Police said Mojalefa worked with Prosecutor Ngoako Petlo to secure the conviction.

Limpopo police welcome traditional healer’s rape sentence

The provincial commissioner in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the sentence, saying it sends a clear message against sexual violence.

Hadebe said the sentence shows that authorities in Limpopo act firmly against sexual offences involving children.

She said a person’s status in the community does not shield them from the law. She added that the outcome should deter similar crimes.

“The fact that this perpetrator exploited a position of trust, abusing a child who was a guest in his own home, makes this crime even more heinous. We commend Sergeant Mojalefa and Prosecutor Petlo for their unwavering commitment to securing justice for this young survivor,” she added.

THPASA also condemns traditional healer abuse and backs accountability

The Traditional Healers Professional Association of South Africa (THPASA) welcomed the court’s decision.

The association praised both the South African Police Service and the prosecution team for securing justice.

The association stressed that crimes against children are criminal acts and have no place in Indigenous Health Practice, rejecting any attempt to justify such conduct as cultural.

THPASA emphasised that one person’s misconduct should not reflect on the entire profession.

The association reaffirmed its dedication to upholding ethics, professional standards, and safeguarding those at risk.