A 29-YEAR-OLD traditional healer known as Kganyapa was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment for rape of two women by the Sasolburg Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 14 December.
The court has revealed that Kganyapa, whose real name is Tankiso Molete, raped a 41-year-old security officer who was on duty at a holiday resort in Deneysville on Saturday, 15 January.
The accused arrived at the officer’s workplace carrying a garden spade and told her that he is the water snake sent by ancestors to tell her about her deceased mother.
Sergeant Peter Kareli said the accused suddenly started threatening the victim and forced himself on her.
“The rape lasted almost the whole night until the victim managed to escape and ran to seek help from a couple on holiday. A case of rape was opened and the suspect was reported to be on the run,” said Kareli.
The court heard that on Saturday, 2 October 2021 a 28-year-old victim was with her mother at home in Amelia, Zamdela, when her mother told her that the well-known Kganyapa was in their yard.
The victim got dressed and went to confront him. Upon opening the door the traditional healer told them he is there to deliver a message from their deceased family members and asked to consult with the victim in secret.
The victim was told they must go get soil from the corner of the street to use for a ritual and cleansing. While at the corner with Kganyapa, the victim was told they should instead go wash their hands at the river.
They walked in the night, and upon reaching their destination, Kganyapa who was carrying a bottle of beer started assaulting the victim and threatened to kill her and raped her repeatedly.
The victim managed to convince the suspect to let her go, and on her arrival at home, she informed her mother of the rape and police were informed.
The two cases were registered at Zamdela cop shop where Kganyapa was traced and arrests on 14 February, while he was attending court for an unrelated case of murder.
Kareli said Kganyapa was linked to the two rape cases through the modus operandi and after thorough investigations.
He was sentenced to an effective 30 years imprisonment for three counts of rape and kidnapping.
James Majake, chairman of Lengau la Thabeng Sangoma Association has slammed Kganyapa for using ancestors in a wrong way.
“This is a self-proclaimed sangoma. He deserves to be condemned. We feel so embarrassed. He must not be released on parole,” said Majake.
