In a shocking and deeply disturbing case that has outraged the Ficksburg community, a 39-year-old mother and a 40-year-old traditional healer appeared before the packed Ficksburg Magistrates Court on Friday, May 16, 2025. The pair are facing serious charges of attempted murder, child abuse, neglect, and defeating the ends of justice after allegedly setting the woman’s eight-year-old son on fire.
According to court testimony, the mother, who worked as a firefighter, took her son to a local prophet earlier this year. The prophet reportedly told her that the child was possessed by a tokoloshe—a mythical evil spirit in African folklore. Acting on this belief, the mother allegedly took the boy to a traditional healer (sangoma), who then advised that the tokoloshe be “driven out” through extreme means.
Tragically, that advice led to the child being doused in petrol and set alight. The boy suffered between 60% and 80% burn wounds across his body, including his neck, arms, hands, and legs. The incident has left the child physically and emotionally scarred.
Family spokesperson Malerato Matsaseng expressed horror at the actions of the boy’s mother and called for justice to be served. “We are heartbroken and traumatized. She hid the boy from us since January. When we finally found him, we learned she had lied, saying he was burnt at school. Instead, she deliberately allowed this cruelty in the name of removing a tokoloshe,” she said.
Community members and activists have also voiced their outrage. Members of the Marry Raletoane Foundation staged a silent protest outside the court, demanding justice for the child. The foundation’s chairwoman, Matshele Raletoane, condemned the mother’s actions as reckless and dangerous. “She must face the full might of the law. What I saw when I visited the child was horrific. He’s not only physically injured but emotionally broken,” she said, urging the court to deny bail to both accused.
Local authorities have also weighed in. Setsoto Local Municipality Council Speaker Paka Mavaleliso, who represents Ward 17—where the incident occurred—said he was shocked to learn that the traditional healer he once knew to be calm and peaceful was now accused of such brutality. “It is troubling, especially given our community’s high rate of gender-based violence and child abuse,” he added.
The case has been postponed to Wednesday, May 21, for a formal bail application. Meanwhile, calls for stricter regulation of traditional healing practices and stronger child protection mechanisms are gaining momentum.
This heartbreaking case has highlighted not only the dangers of superstition but also the need for greater awareness around child safety, mental health, and the consequences of cultural misconceptions when misused. The nation watches closely as justice takes its course.