LIMPOPO – A traditional healer from Botlokwa in the Capricorn District has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of raping a 15-year-old girl.

Trusted family visit by traditional healer ends in serious criminal case

The Polokwane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit secured the conviction against Mahlatse Alex Ramokgobathi (30), who was known to the victim’s family as a traditional healer.

The court heard that on October 3 2023 at about 21:00, Ramokgobathi visited the family home to perform traditional healing on the victim’s father, who was ill.

After completing the treatment, he allegedly offered to also assist the children, and the parents consented.

Alleged events at nearby river lead to rape charge

The court heard how the victim and her sister were taken to a nearby river with an assistant, where the group separated and the victim was left alone with Ramokgobathi.

The court further heard that the offence took place during this time, and that the accused threatened the victim and her family afterwards, warning them not to report the matter.

Disclosure to family member triggers police investigation

The incident was later reported to police after the victim disclosed what had happened to a family member.

A case was opened at Botlokwa Police Station and later transferred to the Polokwane FCS Unit for investigation.

Ramokgobathi was arrested and appeared in court, where he was granted bail. He remained out on bail throughout the proceedings until the matter was finalised.

Morebeng court hands down life sentence for rape conviction

On Monday (June 22), the Morebeng Magistrate’s Court found Ramokgobathi guilty of rape and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

His details have been entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

Police commend investigation and highlight abuse of trust concerns

Limpopo provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the investigating officer and said the outcome reflects the seriousness of the offence, adding that cases involving abuse of trust remain a concern.