The man neighbours blame for killing a woman at his healer’s practice on 22nd Avenue, Ernest Mabula (66), has come forward and has denied any wrongdoing, saying the victim was his girlfriend who he was also treating.
This after, among others, allegations that he had disappeared after killing the woman. “It’s all lies being peddled by my enemies who are jealous of my work and success. They want me out of this area and to take over my property by making unfounded allegations about someone I loved. No normal person can sleep with a corpse. I still move around freely,” Mabula said.
He added that, like the police and prophets, healers were generally hated in communities for helping people in need and distress. Mabula said he started treating the victim, Julia Mahelakuleng, three years ago and in between referred her to clinics and hospitals which released her when she got better, but recently, her condition deteriorated until her death on 27 November.
“The death was certified as from natural causes by paramedics and happened days after she wasn’t able to move on her own for some days and I had to help her, which should explain the false allegation that she was already dead.”
He added that he possessed the post mortem report, had paid for transporting the corpse to a local mortuary, and met the deceased’s family to arrange for her burial on 6 December in Soshanguve, Pretoria, which he will also take care of. Mabula said he was also educating the deceased’s child.
After the funeral, he is ready to challenge those spreading the lies about him to prove their allegations.
He said the police had issued him a protection order against those baying for his blood but they refused to accept the order. Police spokesperson Captain Allie Kodisang said the police had no reason to investigate further after the cause of death was confirmed, but would meet the involved parties to ensure there was peace.
Comment from the Alexandra Traditional Healers and Indigenous Religious Leaders’ Association is still being sought. The association’s chairperson Sydney Mathebula once stated that healers’ work was recognised and complied with government regulations. “Anyone found transgressing any law, including the death of a person under their care, was subject to the courts to help atone for our good name as custodians and vanguards of the different cultures, religions and heritages.”
