‘Traditional healer’ cons man out of R160k

An Allandale resident was allegedly defrauded of R160 000 through a traditional healing scam.

It is alleged the victim was robbed on Wednesday by a bogus traditional healer handing out pamphlets on the streets in and around Tembisa.

According to the Ivory Park SAPS communications officer, Warrant Officer Neldah Sekgobela, it is believed the foreign female traditional healer claims to cure different kinds of diseases.

“The victim went for a consultation with the traditional healer in Kaalfontein, Extension 7. He claimed to have health problems.

“On arrival at the traditional healer, he was told his ancestors want to make him rich. He was told to bring an amount of R400 000,” said W/O Sekgobela.

W/O Sekgobela added that the victim was also told that the money would double itself in order to make him rich.

“The victim went to the bank to get a loan and he was offered a loan of R160 000.

“He took all the money straight to the traditional healer. The following day, on Thursday, the victim received a call saying the female traditional healer who received his money had died,” she added.

The Ivory Park SAPS is appealing to community members to be careful when dealing with con artists.