Traditional healer arrested over alleged sexual assault of two girls in KZN

Police arrested a 40-year-old traditional healer accused of sexually assaulting two girls, aged 13 and 16, during a planned operation in Zwelisha, KwaZulu-Natal, on Friday evening.

The suspect allegedly sexually assaulted the 13-year-old repeatedly since June and threatened to kill her if she told anyone.

The girl’s mother contacted Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) for help after a criminal case had been opened against the suspect.

She told a Reaction Officer that police had issued a pointing-out note for the suspect, but he allegedly avoided arrest.

According to the mother, the man fled into dense bush between Zwelisha and Trenance Park whenever law enforcement officers approached the area.

The suspect also lived in the same yard as the 13-year-old.

Brother witnesses alleged assault

The alleged abuse came to light after the girl’s younger brother reportedly witnessed the suspect sexually assaulting his sister.

He contacted his mother at work and urged her to return home immediately.

The mother questioned her daughter, who allegedly told her that the suspect had repeatedly assaulted her over about three months.

Authorities also received information that the same man had allegedly sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl.

Officers set up a planned arrest

The girl’s family worked with RUSA officers to lure the suspect back to his home.

Officers withdrew from the immediate area but remained nearby.

The suspect returned after dark, and the girl’s mother alerted the officers.

They moved in and arrested him at about 20:34.

Officers handed the suspect over to police, who will investigate the allegation