Traditional healer among trio arrested for forced initiation in Mankweng
Police arrested three men, including a traditional healer, after violent forced initiation incidents in the Mankweng area on July 6.
MANKWENG – Three suspects, including a traditional healer, have been arrested following a series of disturbing incidents in which multiple victims were allegedly assaulted and forcibly taken to an initiation school against their will.
The incidents all took place on July 6 in Mamatsha village, GaMolepo, under the Mankweng policing area.
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The Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba said the trio, aged 34, 37 and 47, were arrested yesterday (July 14) 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 read.
Ledwaba said the first incident happened 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.
The second incident happened at 14:00 when a male complainant was allegedly tied with a rope, placed in the back of a bakkie and transported to the initiation school against his will.
The third incident saw a 40-year-old man assaulted with sticks and sjamboks after a group entered his yard unannounced.
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The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the arrests and strongly condemned 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 said.
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