A traditional healer from Port Elizabeth appeared in the Motherwell Magistrates Court on Wednesday where he abandoned his bid for bail.
The 71-year-old man faces three charges of sexual assault and one of compelled rape after he allegedly forced two teenagers to have sex.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, says the man has been in custody since his arrest last week Thursday.
It is alleged that the suspect lured the young boy and girl, aged 13 and 18 respectively, to his house in Mgwalana Street, before giving them a belt which he said would protect them against evil spirits.
Colonel Naidu says according to the victims the suspect said he would give them a belt, which he said would protect them from evil spirits.
She says when they went inside, he made them take off their clothes and caressed them with the belt.
They further alleged that they became very disoriented and that’s when he sexually molested them.
Acting Mount Road Cluster Commander, Brigadier Thandiswa Kupiso reiterated that community figures such as the traditional healer who uses their position to exploit the innocent and the vulnerable will face the full might of the law.
"Some of these healers are prominent figures in the community and are held in high esteem by the people and acts such as this cannot be tolerated," she said.
