Police hunt is on for ‘fake sangoma’
A Witbank man allegedly conducting illegal abortions is on the run after law-enforcement officials raided his office.
The police received an anonymous tip-off about the man believed to be a fake sangoma claiming to heal diseases and make his clients rich.
A police officer called the suspect, apparently from Nigeria, and booked an appointment for “an abortion”.
When the police raided his workplace in Springbok Street, Tasbet Park, the suspect jumped from the second storey and escaped.
The police found money, pamphlets, and sangoma-like clothing.
It is alleged he told people to bring money, which he then put into a black suitcase, claiming the money will double.
One of his pamphlets stated: “Dr Babu [the name he operates by] is an experienced healer who checks your problems using water and a mirror.” The pamphlet also advertised services such as penis enlargements, abortions, bringing back a lost lover, and job promotions.
Police spokesperson Captain Eddie Hall warned the community about the alleged scam.
“You will be scammed out of your hard-earned money. Sangomas are not even trained and qualified to do abortions,” he said.
Phephisile Maseko, the national coordinator of the Traditional Healers Organisation, said no traditional practitioner was allowed to conduct abortions.
“We are redrafting the legislature to have strong penalties for those that practise under false pretenses, tainting our reputation.” – Caxton News Service