Limpopo police have arrested three men, including a traditional healer, in connection with a string of violent incidents in which victims were allegedly assaulted and forcibly taken to an initiation school in Mamatsha village, GaMolepo, on Sunday, 6 July 2025.
The suspects, aged 34, 37, and 47, were taken into custody on Monday, 14 July 2025, following an intensive investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Mankweng policing area.
They appeared in the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on 15 July, facing multiple charges including assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, common assault, and compelling individuals to attend an initiation school under duress.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the incidents occurred separately, but all took place on the same day.
In the first case, at around 9:00 am, a 71-year-old man was attacked at his home by a group who accused him of interfering with initiation matters.
He was reportedly beaten with sticks and sjamboks, sustaining serious injuries including a broken hand, before being forcibly taken to the initiation school.
#sapsLIM #SAPS arrested 3 suspects, including a traditional healer, in connection with a series of disturbing incidents in which victims were allegedly assaulted and forcefully taken to an initiation school against their will.
Although the incidents occurred separately, it all… pic.twitter.com/E2CAWsRGUX
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) July 15, 2025
In the second incident, around 2:00 pm, a man was alerted by relatives that a group had gathered at his home. Upon arrival, he was allegedly tied up, thrown into the back of an open van, and transported to the initiation school against his will.
Shortly after that, a third victim, a 40-year-old man, was assaulted at his home by a group who entered his yard without explanation and attacked him with sticks and sjamboks.
Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe strongly condemned the incidents, emphasising that cultural practices must not infringe on individual rights.
“While we acknowledge the cultural significance of initiation, it must never be used as a tool for intimidation, violence, or forced participation,” said Hadebe.
“Such criminal behaviour undermines the very values that cultural traditions are meant to uphold. The SAPS will act decisively to protect individuals’ rights and uphold the law.”
Police investigations are ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests has not been ruled out.
Written by Betha Madhomu
First published by African Insider
Also see: Internet reacts to 41-year-old white man who returns from initiation school
