A 40-year-old man who works as a traditional healer was arrested on Friday evening in Zwelisha, KwaZulu‑Natal, after being accused of sexually assaulting two girls aged 13 and 16. Authorities say the arrest followed a planned operation involving the girls’ family and private security officers.
How the case came to light
According to information shared with responders, the younger girl’s brother reportedly witnessed an assault and phoned their mother at work. The mother returned home, questioned her daughter, and the child disclosed that the alleged abuse had occurred repeatedly over a period beginning in June. The family also provided information that a second girl, aged 16, had been allegedly assaulted by the same man.
The mother later contacted Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) for assistance after a criminal case had been opened with the police. She said police had issued a pointing‑out note for the suspect but that officers had been unable to arrest him because he would reportedly flee into dense bush between Zwelisha and Trenance Park whenever law enforcement approached.
Planned operation led to arrest
RUSA personnel and the family worked together to draw the suspect back to his home. Officers withdrew from the immediate area but remained nearby. The man returned after dark and was taken into custody at about 20:34 before being handed over to police for investigation.
“Officers handed the suspect over to police, who will investigate the allegation,” the reporting said.
Legal and community context
The matter is being treated as an allegation; the man has been arrested and is now in the hands of the South African Police Service while detectives investigate. Under South African law, all sexual offences involving children are prioritised by investigators and may lead to additional charges if further evidence or victims are identified.
Community tension can rise quickly in cases involving alleged abuse of minors, particularly when the accused is a figure of status such as a traditional healer. Local residents often rely on traditional healers for cultural and health matters, which can complicate reporting and detection of abuse. In this case family members and a private response unit played a central role in securing the arrest.
What we know — timeline
| Date / time | Event |
|---|---|
| From June (as reported) | Alleged repeated sexual assaults of the 13‑year‑old began, according to the girl’s disclosure |
| Undisclosed date | A criminal case was opened with the police and a pointing‑out note issued |
| Friday evening (week of reporting) | Planned operation by family and Reaction Unit South Africa led to arrest at about 20:34 |
Practical information for readers
- If you or someone you know may be a victim of sexual violence, report to your nearest SAPS station so a case can be opened and investigators can act.
- Child protection organisations and social workers should be contacted through local social development offices to ensure immediate care and counselling for minors.
- Document and preserve any evidence where possible and avoid confronting suspects directly; alert the police or trained response units.
RUSA’s involvement in the operation reflected the family’s concern that the suspect had evaded arrest despite the pointing‑out note. The organisation’s statement, as reported, said officers worked with the family to lure the man back before apprehending him and handing him to police.
At this stage, investigations continue and police will determine whether further charges will be laid. The identity of the suspect has not been released in the reporting, and the matter remains subject to the criminal justice process.
Sexual offences against children remain a serious concern across KwaZulu‑Natal and the country. Law enforcement agencies, social services and community organisations continue to urge that all allegations be reported swiftly so victims can receive medical care, counselling and legal protection while investigators pursue the case.
Reporting from KwaZulu‑Natal.
