Motherwell Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit arrested a 71-year-old traditional healer on Tuesday, 19 January 2021 on charges of sexual assault and rape.
He appeared in the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 21 January 2021 and he is remanded in custody until Wednesday, 27 January 2021 for a formal bail application.
It is alleged that the suspect lured the boys and one girl aged between 13 and 18 years old in separate incidents or at the same time to his house where he sexually assaulted them.
One victim reported the incident to his parents. Since his arrest, three other cases have been opened against him; 2 for sexual assault and one charge of compelled rape.
The Acting Mount Road Cluster Commander, Brigadier Thandiswa Kupiso reiterated that community figures such as the traditional healer who uses their position to exploit the innocent and the vulnerable will face the full might of the law.
‘Some of these healers are prominent figures in the community and are held in high esteem by the people and acts such as this cannot be tolerated as they prey on the young and the innocent. The police will work in close unison with the prosecuting authority in ensuring that justice is served for all the victims,’ added Brigadier Kupiso.
