A Winnie Mandela Park resident is urging others to exercise caution after he allegedly lost more than R600 000 to people claiming to be traditional healers.

Andrew (surname withheld), who has struggled with a leg condition for several years, said he came across an advertisement for a traditional healer in The Thembisan and decided to make contact in the hope of obtaining herbal remedies.

Instead, he alleges he was persuaded to undergo a series of consultations and rituals.

“I never wanted to be healed. I only wanted herbs, but they insisted, and I fell for it,” he said.

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Andrew claims that during one of the rituals he was told he was communicating with his ancestors, who instructed him to trust the “doctor” and “professor”, as the man referred to himself.

He alleges that he was later instructed to sell his house so he could be freed from his pain.

After the property was sold, he said he handed over the proceeds on the understanding that the money would be used as part of the healing process and later multiplied to help him start businesses and relocate.

“They told me not to touch a single cent. After I handed over the money, I went back a few days later and found the doctor’s hut had burned down. There was no sign of anyone,” he claimed.

Andrew further alleges that the group used herbs during the rituals that left him confused and vulnerable to manipulation.

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He said that after realising what had happened, he reported the matter to the police and attempted to open a fraud case.

“After I regained my memory, I went to the police station, but I was told I had agreed to give them the money and had not been forced,” he said.

According to Andrew, the suspects initially promised to return the money after claiming their premises had burned down, but all communication stopped shortly afterwards.

When approached for comment, SAPS advised that such matters can be difficult to investigate where money was handed over voluntarily.

Police encouraged community members to attend community imbizos, where residents are educated about common scams and crime prevention.

Police also advised the public not to hand over money or valuables to people they have recently met or whose claims cannot be verified.

Andrew said he has retained information that he believes may assist investigators, including names, photographs and fingerprints of the individuals involved.

Following enquiries by The Thembisan, Andrew has been encouraged to revisit Rabasotho SAPS to present the available information for further assessment by investigating officers.

Further information will be shared when it becomes available.

Andrew’s experience is similar to a case reported by The Thembisan approximately two months ago.

In that incident, 63-year-old Kaalfontein Ext 9 resident Thandi Nkonde alleged she lost R800 000 after approaching a man advertising himself as a traditional healer.

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Nkonde claimed she was persuaded to sell her home and hand over the proceeds after being told the money would be used in rituals before being returned “multiplied”.

She later opened a fraud case with Ivory Park SAPS after the suspect allegedly disappeared.

Although there is no evidence at this stage that the two matters are connected, both cases share striking similarities.

In each instance, the complainants allege they responded to advertisements, were encouraged to place their trust in the healer through rituals, were persuaded to hand over substantial sums of money and were ultimately unable to recover either the money or the suspects.

Police have previously warned that scammers often target vulnerable people by exploiting their personal struggles, financial difficulties or health concerns.

Residents are urged to thoroughly verify the credentials of anyone offering spiritual, healing or financial assistance before handing over money or valuables.

Side Bar
Editor’s note: Stay alert to scams
Stories such as Andrew’s are an important reminder that scammers often prey on people who are vulnerable, desperate or searching for solutions to personal, financial or health challenges.

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While The Thembisan cannot verify every allegation made in this case, we encourage readers to exercise caution before handing over money or valuables to anyone.
To help protect yourself:

• Never hand over large sums of money to someone based solely on promises or guarantees.
• Be cautious of anyone who pressures you into making quick decisions or insists on secrecy.
• Verify the credentials and reputation of any service provider before paying for their services.
• Speak to trusted family members or friends before making significant financial decisions.

If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, report the matter to your nearest SAPS station as soon as possible and keep any evidence, including messages, receipts and contact details.

Scammers often exploit fear, hope and desperation. Taking time to verify information and seeking advice before acting could prevent substantial financial loss.