Sydney Mathibe
Famous and “strong” witch doctors can prosper. Ngaka Mahlakwane, who practises on the East Rand, charges R5 for bone- throwing, while Dr Zungu, well known in Vosloorus, charges R20 for the same service.
These are some of the more common fees:
l “Strengthening” a home: R400 to R1 000 a year.
l Curing mafunfunyani (mental illness): R700 to R1 000.
l Muti for enlarging penises: R450.
l Muti for bringing financial success: R350.
l Muti for attracting women: R450.
l Powerful animal fats, bones or skins: R950.
l Cure for pubic lice: R200.
With the high crime rate in Gauteng, especially car hijackings, the cost of “protection” muti for cars has escalated. The make and model of the car influence the fee.
Bones, “strengthened” with fats, bones and skins of powerful animals, are thrown for cars. The charge for a Golf is R700, a BMW is more pricey at R1 000, while protecting a Mercedes Benz could cost the owner R1 150.
The most expensive vehicle to protect is a minibus taxi. This is because it generates money and at R1 250 protection is a bargain, says Mahlakwane.