MPUME Mabika’s plan of trying to sell a boy living with albinism has caught up with her.
The 34-year-year-old woman from Manguzi near Jozini, northern KZN, was sentenced to 20 years in jail for trying to sell an 11-year-old boy living with albinism in 2016.
She was sentenced by the Ingwavuma Regional Court on Friday, 20 January.
Mabika was bust after she called a traditional healer selling the boy for R100 000.
Instead, the traditional healer decided to contact the police and she was arrested and charged with attempted human trafficking.
KZN Social Development MEC Nonhlahla Khoza welcomed the stiff sentence handed down.
She said that the incident happened in June 2016, and the traditional healer contacted the police after he had reached an agreement with the perpetrator.
Khoza applauded the judgment while expressing her gratitude to the work done by law enforcement agencies in dealing with such a case.
“Our law enforcement agencies worked diligently during the lengthy investigation to secure such a conviction. This is proof of their commitment to work around the clock to fight the harm caused by individuals who commit such heinous crimes,” she said.
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Khoza said the Department of Social Development and other sectors have been working hard in ensuring the prosecution of suspects accused of attacking and killing people living with albinism.
“The sentencing of the woman should send a strong message to those who continue violating the rights of people living with albinism. We hope that this will serve as a deterrent to all those involved in such inhumane acts that the government would not tolerate such violation of human rights,” she said.
Khoza said the arrest and final imprisonment of the perpetrator were also indicative of the excellent relationship in the justice cluster.
She said that the attacks on people living with albinism had left them more vulnerable and anxious.
“We need more of such traditional healers who are honest and willing to expose wrongdoings. Human flesh doesn’t make any medicine,” she said.
