POLOKWANE — The Polokwane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit has secured a life sentence for a 30-year-old traditional healer following the rape of a 15-year-old girl in the Capricorn District.
Mahlatse Alex Ramokgobathi, a well-known healer from Botlokwa, was found guilty of rape and sentenced on Monday, 22 June 2026, at the Morebeng Magistrate’s Court.
The incident occurred on 3 October 2023, at approximately 21:00. Ramokgobathi, who was known to and trusted by the victim’s family, arrived at their home to perform traditional healing on the victim’s ailing father. After completing the treatment, he suggested treating the children. The parents consented, placing their full trust in the healer despite the late hour.
Accompanied by his assistant, Ramokgobathi took the victim and her older sister to a nearby river. Upon arrival, he instructed his assistant to attend to the older sister. He then remained alone with the 15-year-old victim, whom he raped. Following the assault, he threatened to kill the victim and her parents if she reported the crime.
The offense was uncovered after the victim disclosed the incident to another sister. The case was initially reported at the Botlokwa Police Station and subsequently transferred to the Polokwane FCS Unit for further investigation.
Sergeant Edward Rasemane was assigned to the case and led the investigation. Ramokgobathi was arrested and granted bail, remaining out on bail until the conclusion of the trial.
In addition to the life imprisonment sentence, the court declared Ramokgobathi unfit to possess a firearm and ordered that his particulars be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.