A traditional healer who told a young patient he had to have sex with her for his medicine to work has been arrested for rape, Free State police said on Thursday.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Thandi Mbambo said the matter was reported to police on Wednesday after the 14-year-old girl discovered she was three months pregnant.
”The girl was referred to the healer in November 2004 in Botshabelo suffering from epilepsy which forced her to leave school,” said Mbambo.
Police said the healer, who was paid R2 000 for the treatment, allegedly suggested that the girl be left in his care so he could monitor her progress daily.
”While visiting her daughter at the healer’s house, the mother became suspicious when she found her daughter vomiting continuously,” Mbambo said.
She was sent to a doctor, who confirmed that the girl was pregnant.
”The mother allegedly confronted the 27-year-old healer, who promised to marry the girl,” Mbambo said.
She said the mother, however, called the police, who arrested the man.
Mbambo said the police suspect there could be other victims abused by the healer. He has moved from one section of Botshabelo, near Bloemfontein, to another in the meantime.
Possible victims have been urged to contact the Botshabelo police station.
The healer will appear in the Botshabelo Magistrate’s Court on Friday on a charge of rape, Mbambo said. — Sapa