THE known sangoma of Thabong, Welkom in the Free State, was arrested for an alleged kidnapping of a one-year-nine-month girl on Saturday, 6 January.
The minor was at Boitumelo Mall with her mum Ntshepang Sotsaka (33) when she disappeared mysteriously.
The mother quickly went to Thabong Police Station to register a case of a missing person.
Captain Stephen Thakeng said a preliminary investigation was conducted, and video footage from Boitumelo Mall was obtained.
"The man was seen taking a child and entering the sedan car with her and drove off from Boitumelo Mall. The police initiated the search and visited all the gatherings of traditional healers in Thabong until the information came about Extention 15 Hani Park Bronville where the child was found," he said.
Thakeng confirmed that the child was found safe and brought back to the parents on Sunday, 7 January.
A 45-year-old sangoma was arrested and charged with Kidnapping.
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The District Commissioner of Lejweleputswa, Major General Tholie Afonso, warned parents to keep their children close to them while busy with their shopping spree and know their whereabouts even at their homes.
The chairman of Lengau la Thabeng Sangoma's association, James Majake, slammed the arrested suspect with harsh words.
"We condemn that behaviour. I don't think the suspect is a real sangoma. He might be someone who hid himself under the attire of izangoma while he was a criminal. We will march to the court to oppose bail. He must take full responsibility for kidnappings around Welkom and surrounding areas of Lejweleputswa."
"The ancestors would never instruct a person to kidnap people. This is satanic behaviour that we won't tolerate," said angry Majake.
The suspect will appear in the Welkom Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 9 January.
