Traditional Healer Apprehended For Alleged Sexual Assault: Zwelisha – KZN
A 40-year-old Traditional Healer accused of sexually assaulting two (2) girls aged 13 and 16 was apprehended during a planned operation in Zwelisha – KZN yesterday evening (Friday, 14/08/2026).
The mother of the 13-year-old contacted Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) for assistance during the course of yesterday. During an interview with a Reaction Officer, she explained that a criminal case had been registered against the suspect and a Pointing Out Note had been issued by the South African Police Service (SAPS), but he had allegedly been evading arrest.
According to the woman, the man fled into dense bush between Zwelisha and Trenance Park – KZN whenever Law Enforcement Officers approached the area.
A plan was formulated with the family yesterday afternoon to lure the suspect back to his residence. Reaction Officers withdrew from the immediate vicinity but remained positioned nearby.
The man returned after dark. The victim’s mother immediately alerted the Officers, who moved in and apprehended him at approximately 20:34.
The mother alleged that her daughter had been raped by the suspect since June 2026. He threatened to murder the victim if she disclosed the sexual assault. He lived in the same yard as the victim.
The assault came to light after the girls minor brother witnessed the man raping his sister. He contacted his mother at her place of employment and informed her to immediately return home.
The female questioned the child who confirmed that she had been repeatedly raped over the past three (3) months. Information was also received that a 16-year-old girl had allegedly been sexually assaulted by the same individual.
The suspect was handed over to Police for further investigation.