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Traditional healers hold a responsible position among many South Africans. The role they play in the community, aiding with health-related issues and often guiding people through their lives cannot be ignored.
However, what happens when a traditional healer goes rogue? What happens when they try to profit from the deaths of innocent people?
A traditional healer in Margate made headlines in October after he was caught with a bucket full of human body parts.
At the time of Phumali Ngidi’s arrest, it was unclear who the body parts belonged to. Following a series of DNA tests and investigations, the mystery to the body parts has finally come to an end. The remains belong to Mxolisi Langazane a 17-year-old boy who was reported missing in the area in June.
Nigdi and his co-accused, Khanyisile Khusi, now face life imprisonment, following their sentencing at the Pietermaritzburg High Court to life imprisonment on November 6.
Also read: Traditional healer found with a bucket of body parts
With the two men now bracing to spend time behind bars, are they the only individuals to prey on people?
In a separate incident, a 37-year-old man faces imprisonment for the murder of a 29-year-old woman.
In April 2015, Mzwakhe Muzi Ncube posed as a traditional healer and approached his victim, Ntombizethu Cele in the Ngonyameni area.
Lieutenant Colonel Thulani Zwane explains Ncube told Cele that she needed cleansing, as people were planning to attack her. Believing him, Cele decided to meet with Ncube in the Engonyameni area on April 8, 2015.
However, upon arriving at their meeting place, Ncube turned against her. He grabbed her, slitting her throat and fleeing the scene.
Sentenced at the Durban Magistrate’s Court, Ncube will now serve life imprisonment.
With the two cases coming to an end, what are your thoughts on the matter? Do you feel people need to do in-depth background checks on their respective traditional healers? Or do you feel traditional healers should be done away with?
Share your thoughts with us.
