A 26-year-old South African female traditional healer has narrated her horrifying experience of being allegedly raped by one of her male clients.   

The traditionalist, whose name is not being revealed for safety reasons, revealed the incident in a recent interview with South African media outlet SABC News.

   According to her, the incident, which left her deeply traumatized and fearful, occurred at her client’s home where she had gone to perform a spiritual cleansing ritual.  The traditionalist, who had started her practice a year ago, said the experience has shaken her faith in her calling and her ability to trust male clients again.   She said,

“Out of nowhere, the guy pushed me. I fell on the bed, and he grabbed me by my arms. I was trying to process everything that was happening because I was in shock. I came here to help someone spiritually, and this is what happens to me.   

“I am still very scared to practice or to help, but I know that it is not something I can stop. It is not something I can resign from and say I am packing up my stuff, I am leaving because I have been called for a purpose at the end of the day.”   Also speaking on the incident, some Kimberly-based traditional healers described the development as a wake-up call for female healers in the country on the need to be extra careful.   

They urged the government to ensure that the accused rapist receives the appropriate punishment to serve as a deterrent for others.   The accused is currently in police custody and is expected to appear in court soon.