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Limpopo spiritual healer arrested for rape during cleansing ritual

The man was arrested by the Seshego SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit at his residence in Eldorado village following investigations.

POLOKWANE – A 66-year-old man will appear before the Maleboho Periodical Court today in connection with the rape of a 30-year-old woman on April 12.

The man was arrested by the Seshego SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) on Sunday (June 18) at his residence in Eldorado village following investigations.

You might also want to read: Another Seshego pastor handed multiple life sentences for rape of underage girls

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the victim was one of the suspect’s clients and went to his homestead for spiritual healing.

“The suspect asked his clients if there was anyone in need of a steaming ritual and the victim volunteered. The victim went to the suspect’s son’s bedroom wearing only a blanket and found the room covered in smoke when she was allegedly raped by the suspect,” his statement read.

The victim left the room wearing the suspect’s jacket but never reported the ordeal until a mental breakdown, depression diagnosis and suicide attempt.

“The victim was referred to a relevant facility for mental treatment and opened up about the incident. The matter was reported to the local police on June 15 and was transferred to the  Seshego FCS for further investigation. The police’s swift reaction and meticulous efforts resulted in the suspect’s apprehension at his residence,” his statement read.

Police investigations continue.

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Raeesa Sempe

Raeesa Sempe is a Caxton Award-winning Digital Editor with nine years’ experience in the industry. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Media Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand and started her journey as a community journalist for the Polokwane Review in 2015. She then became the online journalist for the Review in 2016 where she excelled in solidifying the Review’s digital footprint through Facebook lives, content creation and marketing campaigns. Raeesa then moved on to become the News Editor of the Bonus Review in 2019 and scooped up the Editorial Employee of the Year award in the same year. She is the current Digital Editor of the Polokwane Review-Observer, a position she takes pride in. Raeesa is married with one child and enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music and baking – when she has the time. “I still believe that if your aim is to change the world, journalism is a more immediate short-term weapon." – Tom Stoppard

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