TRADITIONAL healer Tankiso “kganyapa” Molete was sentenced on Wednesday, 14 December, by the Sasolburg Magistrates Court to 30 years imprisonment for raping two women.
The 29-year-old raped a 41-year-old security officer at a holiday resort in Deneysville, Free State, in January. The accused arrived at her workplace carrying a garden spade, telling her that he was the “water snake” and sent by the ancestors to tell her about her deceased mother.
Sergeant Peter Karali said the accused then started threatening the victim, and raped her.
“The rape ordeal lasted almost the whole night, until the victim managed to escape and seek help from a couple on holiday. A case of rape was opened, and the suspect was reported to be on the run.”
It was further revealed in court that last October, a 28-year-old victim was at home in Amelia in Zamdela, when her mum told her that a well-known traditional healer was in their yard. The victim went to confront him, and he told them that he was there to relay a message from their deceased family members, and then asked to consult with the victim in private.
She was told that they must get soil from the corner of the street to use for a ritual and cleansing. While at the corner with the sangoma, she was told they should instead go wash their hands at the river. They walked at night and upon arrival, Molete, carrying a bottle of beer, started assaulting her. He threatened to kill her and then raped her repeatedly.
The victim managed to convince the suspect to let her go and at home, told her mum and later the police.
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The two cases were registered at Zamdela cop shop, where Molete was arrested on Valentine’s Day while in court for an unrelated murder case.
Kareli said thorough investigations and the modus operandi linked the suspect to the two rape cases. He was sentenced to an effective 30 years’ imprisonment for two counts of rape and kidnapping.
James Majake, chairman of Lengau la Thabeng Sangoma Association, has slammed Molete for using his ancestral gift he wrong way.
“This a self-proclaimed sangoma. He deserves to be condemned. We call for our people to refrain from such and we feel embarrassed. He must not be released on parole. Using the ancestral gift for such behaviour is a curse,” said Majake.
