Fake Traditional Healers Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Brutal Taung Ritual Rapes
BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA
The two convicted criminals, Musore Djosia (32) and Hasuamni Handre Saluma (36), were slapped with the maximum penalty on Monday for two counts of rape, one count of sexual assault, and violating the Immigration Act.
A Betrayal of Spiritual Trust
The horrifying incident dates back to 3 April 2022 near Seoding Village in Taung. The court heard that the two men had masqueraded as genuine traditional healers to exploit the family's deep spiritual beliefs.
A family member, desperate to find assistance for ongoing traditional and spiritual challenges the household was experiencing, invited the duo to their homestead. Believing the men were operating in good faith, the victims' uncle finalized arrangements, paid the men for their services, and left the residence to watch a soccer match at a local tavern.
Around ten family members actively participated in what they believed was a sacred cleansing ritual. However, once left alone with the defenseless family, Djosia and Saluma turned predatory. Under the guise of performing spiritual duties, they turned on the family, brutally raping and sexually assaulting three female victims aged 22, 36, and 48.
Criminal Past and Illegal Immigration Status Uncovered
Following an intensive police investigation, both suspects were tracked down and arrested. The state successfully opposed bail from the onset, keeping the men behind bars throughout the duration of the trial.
Further checking by home affairs and police intelligence uncovered that both men were undocumented foreign nationals living and operating completely unlawfully inside South Africa. Despite overwhelming physical and testimonial evidence brought against them, both accused stubbornly pleaded not guilty to all charges in the dock.
"The accused deliberately weaponized and exploited the absolute trust placed in them. In doing so, they also deeply undermined the integrity of legitimate traditional healers who serve our communities in good faith," argued State Prosecutor Rebaona Mokgopa during aggravation of sentence.
The Hammer of Justice Falls
The presiding magistrate completely agreed with the state's hardline arguments, ruling that the duo had committed a sickening betrayal against people who looked to them for protection and healing.
The court handed down the following concurrent sentences, ensuring the men will spend the rest of their natural lives behind bars:
Count 1 & 2 (Rape): Life imprisonment for each accused.
Count 3 (Sexual Assault): 8 years imprisonment for each accused.
Immigration Act Violation: R2,000 fine or two years direct imprisonment.
The court further ordered that the names of Musore Djosia and Hasuamni Handre Saluma be permanently blacklisted and entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.
Welcoming the swift ruling, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr. Rachel Makhari, commended the prosecution and investigating teams, reaffirming that the state will continue to vigorously prosecute gender-based violence (GBV) syndicates without mercy.
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