POLOKWANE — Mahlatse Alex Ramokgobathi, a well-known traditional healer from Botlokwa, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Morebeng Magistrate’s Court following his conviction for the rape of a 15-year-old girl. The successful prosecution was secured by the Polokwane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
The horrific offense occurred on 3 October 2023, at approximately 21:00. Ramokgobathi, who was 30 years old at the time and highly trusted by the victim’s family in the Capricorn District, initially visited the residence to perform traditional healing rituals on the teenager’s ailing father. Upon finishing with the father, the healer offered to treat the children as well. Relying on their established trust, the parents agreed to the late-night session.
Ramokgobathi, alongside his assistant, escorted the 15-year-old victim and her older sibling to a nearby river. Once there, the healer directed his assistant to focus on the older sister, intentionally isolating the younger girl. It was during this time that Ramokgobathi raped the victim. To ensure her silence, he issued severe death threats against both the teenager and her parents should they approach law enforcement.
The deception unraveled when the victim eventually confided in another sister, prompting the family to open a case at the Botlokwa Police Station. Due to the nature of the crime, the docket was subsequently transferred to the specialized Polokwane FCS Unit for further investigation.
Sergeant Edward Rasemane took charge of the case, conducting a comprehensive and professional probe that culminated in the healer’s arrest. Ramokgobathi was granted bail and remained out of custody until the trial’s finalization.
On Monday, 22 June 2026, the Morebeng Magistrate’s Court officially found Ramokgobathi guilty of rape. Alongside the life sentence, the court declared him unfit to possess a firearm. Furthermore, his particulars were formally entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.
