A well-known traditional healer from Botlokwa in Limpopo has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of raping a 15-year-old girl in a case that has shocked the local community.
The Polokwane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit secured the conviction against Mahlatse Alex Ramokgathathi, 30, who was known to the victim’s family and had been trusted as a traditional healer.
According to evidence presented in court, the incident occurred on October 3, 2023, when the healer visited the home at around 9pm. After treating the father, he suggested that he also attend to the children. The parents agreed, trusting him. He later took the victim and her older sister to a nearby river, where he separated them and remained alone with the 15-year-old girl.
The court heard that the offence was only reported after the victim later disclosed the incident to a family member.
“He then remained alone with the victim, whom he raped. After committing the offence, he threatened to kill the victim and her parents if she reported the crime. The truth came to light when the victim eventually disclosed what had happened to another sister,” SAPS reports.
Ramokgobathi was found guilty of rape and given a life sentence by the Morebeng Magistrate’s Court on Monday, June 22, 2026. The court also ruled that he was unsuitable to own a handgun in addition to the term. Additionally, the accused’s details have been added to the National Register for Sex Offenders.
“This case is a sobering reminder that abuse can be perpetrated by those who are most trusted, even those we invite into our homes to care for our children. The accused betrayed that sacred trust in the most heinous way imaginable, and the life sentence is the only fitting punishment. I commend the investigating officer for the diligent investigation,” Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo.
Saturday Star Reporter
iol.co.za
