Eastern Cape police have rescued a 21-year-old woman who was allegedly held captive by a traditional healer for nine months.
The woman from Lusikisiki was taken to the healer in Port St Johns to treat her for a mental illness. Her family says they agreed on R2 000 payment for her work. But according to them, the healer reneged and demanded R10 000 or a cow for the woman’s release after she was healed.
The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, narrates her ordeal.
“My stay there was the worst. I was always beaten up and tied to a chain. They would make me work in the garden the whole morning. They would tell me every day that my mother doesn’t even come to check on me. I was constantly told that I should work hard because I couldn’t pay.”
Police spokesperson Priscilla Naidoo says at the time of the rescue, the woman had chains on her ankles.
“It is further alleged that the traditional healer tied her up because while receiving treatment she absconded several times to visit her boyfriend who resides in the same area. Police untied her and placed her in the custody of her parents. The woman did not want to open a case against the traditional healer.”
