Three suspects, including a traditional healer, were arrested yesterday after several victims were assaulted and forcibly taken to an initiation school against their will.

According to Polokwane Review, the incidents took place on July 6 in Mamatsha village, GaMolepo, under the Mankweng policing area.

Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says the trio, aged 34, 37 and 47, were arrested following an intensive investigation.

“The suspects are expected to appear in the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court today on charges including assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), common assault and forcing a person to attend initiation through duress,” his statement reads.

Victims assaulted and abducted

Ledwaba says the first incident occurred at around 09:00 when a 71-year-old man was allegedly assaulted with sticks and sjamboks at his home after being accused of interfering with initiation matters.

The man sustained serious injuries, including a broken hand, and was forcibly taken to the initiation school.

In a second incident at 14:00, a male complainant was tied with a rope, placed in the back of a bakkie and transported to the initiation school against his will.

The third victim, a 40-year-old man, was assaulted with sticks and sjamboks after a group entered his yard unannounced.

Police condemn cultural violence

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe welcomes the arrests and condemns the acts of violence.

“While we acknowledge the cultural importance of initiation, it must never be used to justify intimidation or force. These actions undermine the very values these traditions are meant to uphold. The SAPS will continue to protect individual rights and uphold the rule of law,” she says.

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