A 40-year-old traditional healer accused of sexually assaulting underage boys briefly appeared in the Acornhoek Magistrate’s Court yesterday, February 25.

Police confirmed that three boys, aged 12, 13 and 14, have opened cases against the suspect. The alleged incidents reportedly took place in Mkhululine Trust.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe said the suspect allegedly assaulted the boys on several occasions and gave them money to buy their silence.

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He was remanded in custody, with the matter postponed to March 4 for a possible bail application.

Although only three victims have officially come forward, community members believe there may be more. It is alleged that the suspect befriended the boys, lured them to his residence, and sent them on errands before assaulting them.

 

During the court appearance, a group of schoolchildren protested outside, holding placards calling for bail to be denied.

Local Bushbuckridge municipality tourism ambassador Bedneck Maibela said 11 additional boys have since come forward with allegations against the suspect.

“We have received at least 11 more names of alleged victims and will hand these over to the police so statements can be taken. Some children are too afraid to come forward, but we hope they will do so eventually,” Maibela said.

He added that social workers should engage with families in the community to encourage any other potential victims to report their experiences to the authorities.