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- A traditional healer appeared in court after being arrested on charges of sexual assault.
- The Eastern Cape man is alleged to have lured his victims to his home before sexually assaulting them.
- Police say community leaders who take advantage of their neighbors should be accounted for.
A traditional Eastern Cape healer has been charged with the rape of several teenagers.
The 71-year-old is due to return to Motherwell Magistrates Court on Wednesday after he was arrested last week on Tuesday.
“It is alleged that the suspect lured the boys and a girl, ages 13 to 18 …, in separate incidents or at the same time to his home, where he sexually assaulted them,” said police spokeswoman Colonel Priscilla Naidu.
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He added that one of the victims had reported the incident to her parents.
Naidu said that since his arrest more cases have been opened against the traditional healer.
“Three other cases have been opened against him; two for sexual assault and one charge of forced rape,” he said.
The acting commander of the Mount Road group, Brigadier Thandiswa Kupiso, said that community leaders who exploited the vulnerable should be taken to account.
“Some of these healers are prominent figures in the community and are highly regarded by the people and acts like this cannot be tolerated as they prey on the young and innocent. The police will work closely with the prosecution authority to ensure that they are do justice for all victims, “Kupiso said.
The man was expected to request bail Wednesday.
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