A traditional healer was arrested in Butterworth on Wednesday for allegedly abducting and raping a teenager who was given to him by her relatives for lobola of five animals.
The 43-year-old man was arrested by the police after allegations that the 15-year-old girl had been taken to the healer for “treatment” in April.
Captain Jackson Manatha said police were alerted to the girl’s plight by members of the community in the Centane area.
“The traditional healer is suspected of having arranged a forced marriage with the victim‚” said Manatha.
“He is suspected of having raped the girl from April to August 4.”
Manatha said it was also alleged the suspect had paid lobola of two cattle and three goats to the girl’s family.
The man is due to appear in the Centane Magistrate’s Court on Thursday on charges of abduction and rape