Traditional Healer Among Three Arrested for Forced Initiation in Limpopo

Assaults, abductions and cultural coercion shake GaMolepo community

What was meant to be a celebration of cultural heritage turned into a horror show in Mamatsha village, Limpopo, when three men, including a traditional healer, allegedly assaulted and abducted villagers to force them into initiation school.

Police confirmed that the incidents, which took place on Sunday, 6 July 2025, are being investigated as serious criminal matters involving assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, common assault, and coercion.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested the trio, aged 34, 37 and 47, on Monday after what they described as an intensive investigation. They appeared in Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 15 July.

A Day of Violence in the Name of Tradition

First Victim: A 71-year-old man, who was relaxing at home, was allegedly attacked with sticks and sjamboks for “interfering with initiation school matters.” He suffered a broken hand and other injuries before being forcefully taken to an initiation school.

Second Victim: Another man was allegedly tied up, thrown into the back of a van, and transported against his will after a group gathered at his home.

Third Victim: A 40-year-old man was assaulted in his yard, no explanation given, by individuals wielding sticks and sjamboks.

All of these assaults took place on the same day, in the same village, suggesting a disturbing level of coordination and impunity.

Cultural Respect Does Not Excuse Violence

Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Limpopo’s Provincial Police Commissioner, offered strong words:

“While we acknowledge the cultural significance of initiation, it must never be used as a tool for intimidation, violence, or forced participation. Such criminal behaviour undermines the very values that cultural traditions are meant to uphold.”

Her comments reflect growing national concern over forced initiations, a long-simmering issue in parts of South Africa where cultural customs sometimes cross the line into human rights violations.

Public Backlash: ‘Culture is No Excuse for Abuse’

On social media, reactions were swift and emotional.

• “This is not initiation, it’s kidnapping,” wrote one Twitter/X user.

• Another posted: “Our traditions are sacred, but they must never be violent. Culture is not above consent.”

Others expressed concern for the elderly victim, asking what type of tradition would justify dragging a 71-year-old man to the bush against his will.

A National Issue with Local Consequences

This isn’t the first time Limpopo or the nation, has dealt with forced initiation. While traditional leadership structures often protect and preserve valuable rites of passage, abuses of power and coercion persist.

In past years, provinces like the Eastern Cape have seen fatalities linked to unsafe or illegal initiation schools, prompting government intervention.

This latest case in GaMolepo adds another chapter to South Africa’s ongoing struggle to balance tradition with constitutional rights.

Police say more arrests could follow as investigations continue. They’ve urged community members with information to come forward, anonymously if necessary.

The case will also test the resolve of both traditional leaders and law enforcement to protect cultural dignity without tolerating abuse.

In the words of Commissioner Hadebe:

“We must draw a clear line between cultural preservation and criminal behaviour. One cannot be used to justify the other.”

As South Africa continues to embrace both its diversity and its democracy, consent must remain non-negotiable, in culture, and in law.

{Source: The Citizen}

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