Tshawini traditional healer speaks out after being accused of witchcraft: “They tried to burn me alive”

A Tshawini traditional healer who was set alight by residents of Sofaya section in Tshawini who accused her of witchcraft, said she will never forget the pain and humiliation she experienced.

Residents accused Cynthia Mwandla of the murder of a 12-year-old boy, who apparently died calling her name.

It was then believed that she had captured the soul of the boy and community members burnt her house and five cars and tried to kill her.

“I was just sitting at home and one of the residents came in said they wanted to speak with me outside.

“When I got there, they poured petrol on me and sent me alight.

“The father of the boy who died came to her rescue by putting the fire out, saying ‘Don’t kill her until she says where my child is.’

“I said I know nothing about the death of your son, they poured petrol on me again and because it was raining the fire went out.

“They assaulted me and poured petrol over me for the third time and set me alight,” said Mwandla.

Also read: Community uproar after two arrested for sangoma attempted murder

She was again rescued, this time by members of her family who took her to hospital.

After spending two months recovering in hospital, Mwandla told press at the KwaDukuza police station last week that she believed the murder attempt was fueled by jealousy.

“Besides being a traditional healer, I am also a business person. I was about to turn the house that was burned down into a supermarket,” said Mwandla.

Two people were arrested for the attempted murder of Mwandla and her family are demanding justice for her injuries.

“I want the people who said that my child killed the boy to come with proof and if she is guilty, she must be punished and if not, they must also be punished for almost killing my daughter,” said Mwandla’s mother, Dudu Mtolo.

After the arrest of the people accused of burning Mwandla, a mob of close to 150 Tshawini residents protested outside KwaDukuza police station threatening to burn down the station and demanded the release of the arrested men. Police had to fire warning shots to disperse the crowd and four people were arrested for public violence.

Mwandla said she is planning to rebuild her store but she will be not staying in Tshawini.

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