Woman dies, traditional healer on the run
NOT FOR SENSITIVE READERS: ALEXANDRA - Traditional healer on the run after death of woman and an incensed public.
Alex residents are in shock after hearing about the death and alleged concealment and violation of a corpse found at a traditional healer’s residence on 22nd Avenue. The healer is said to be on the run.
The discovery was made on 27 November by the police after a neighbour had called them with information. This after the victim’s daughter had told a neighbour about the healer’s strange behaviour.
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Paramedics were called to the scene and allegedly informed neighbours, who had gathered at the scene, that the victim had died four days earlier.
The victim had allegedly been staying there with her 13-year-old daughter while undergoing treatment by the healer.
The neighbours and residents, who requested anonymity, said they were incensed by the incident and had wanted to burn the place down but were discouraged from doing so, fearing that the fire would spread to surrounding homes.
They claim the whole situation was suspicious, adding that the healer had allegedly disappeared.
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They alleged that the child had called them to the house on 27 November and told them that the suspect had been carrying the mother from the bedroom to the living room for four days, presumably to disguise the situation. The child also alleged that the suspect had urged her to tell anyone asking about her mother, that she was in hospital.
Other neighbours said that, on entering the house, there was a distinct smell of putrefaction. They also alleged that paramedics had told them that the corpse had signs of sexual violation.
A team from the government Forensic Unit came to collect the body, and the traumatised child was moved to a place of safety.
Some residents also claimed that this was the fourth death of a woman there in several years.
Ward 76 councillor Moses Pandeka confirmed hearing about the incident and will follow it up.
Alex Police Station spokesperson, Captain Allie Kodisang confirmed the report of the death, but said thus far, it is deemed as from natural causes. The investigation continues.
Updates will follow as soon as they become available.
Details: Alex Police Station 011 321 7600.
