Police in the North West province have busted a fraudulent “traditional healer” operation that left nearly R100 000 in cash in the hands of law‑enforcement. The sting, carried out in the town of Brits, resulted in the arrest of two men – a 38‑year‑old and a 49‑year‑old – who are accused of swindling a desperate client out of a sizeable sum by posing as spiritual advisors.
Our investigation reveals that detectives traced a white Toyota Corolla that had been used as a mobile office for the scam. When the vehicle was stopped, officers found bundles of cash, several bank cards, multiple cellphones and, crucially, the victim’s own phone – all tucked away in the boot.
Further sweeps at a guest house in the outskirts of Brits uncovered additional bundles of notes, bringing the total cash haul to R96 700. The cash was reportedly found hidden in drawers and under mattresses, a classic sign of informal “money‑laundering” tactics used by low‑level fraudsters.
The two suspects are now slated to appear before the Northam Magistrate’s Court, where they will face charges of theft under false pretences. If convicted, they could face a substantial custodial sentence, reflecting the seriousness with which South African courts treat scams that prey on vulnerable communities.
The case underscores a growing trend: impostor traditional healers exploiting cultural trust to fleece unsuspecting South Africans. While genuine sangomas and herbalists continue to play an essential role in many communities, the rise of counterfeit practitioners has prompted police to issue fresh warnings.
Stay alert – not every individual claiming spiritual powers or ancestral guidance has harmless intentions. The Department of Police has urged citizens to verify the credentials of any healer before handing over money, especially when large sums are involved.
How the fake traditional healer scam unfolded in Brits
The operation began, according to our sources, when a local resident approached a known “healer” after experiencing a series of personal setbacks. The healer, claiming to possess rare ancestral insight, asked for an upfront payment of R50 000 to perform a cleansing ritual. When the client balked, the healer proposed a “special” package that would require an additional R45 000 to guarantee results.
Under pressure and convinced by the healer’s charismatic pleas, the victim transferred the money via bank card – a method that left a clear paper trail. Within days, the client discovered that the promised ritual never took place, and the “healer” could not be contacted. Frustrated, the victim lodged a complaint with the local police precinct.
Detectives quickly linked the complaint to a string of similar reports in the area, all involving a white Corolla that frequenting local markets and community centres. Using licence‑plate tracking technology, officers intercepted the vehicle on a quiet stretch of road just outside Brits. The seizure was swift, and the discovery of the victim’s phone in the car provided the crucial link needed to tie the suspects to the fraud.
In the subsequent raid on the guest house, investigators uncovered a makeshift office area – a table covered with incense, candles and handwritten “spiritual” certificates. The scene resembled a small‑scale operation rather than an authentic, community‑based practice, confirming the suspects’ intent to deceive.
Law enforcement officials say the cash recovered could have been laundered through a network of informal money changers if the suspects had managed to evade capture. The timely intervention, therefore, not only returned R96 700 to the public domain but also disrupted a potentially larger criminal enterprise.
Community reaction and broader implications
Residents of Brits expressed a mixture of relief and caution after the arrests. “We rely on traditional healers for guidance, especially in rural areas where medical facilities are far away,” said one local farmer, who asked to remain anonymous. “But this case shows we must be vigilant and not hand over money without proof.”
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has reiterated its commitment to tackling fraud that masquerades as cultural practice. In a recent press briefing, a senior officer highlighted the importance of community education, noting that fraudulent healers often exploit the elderly and those facing health crises.
“This is not just a financial crime; it’s an assault on the cultural fabric that binds many South Africans together,” the officer warned. “We urge anyone approached by a healer to ask for verifiable credentials and, if something feels off, to report it immediately.”
Meanwhile, the Traditional Health Practitioners Council of South Africa (THPCSA) reminded the public that registered healers must display a valid licence and adhere to a code of conduct. The council is working closely with SAPS to develop a public register that can be accessed online, making it easier for citizens to confirm a practitioner’s legitimacy.
The case also feeds into a larger national dialogue about the intersection of tradition and modernity. As digital payments become ubiquitous, scammers are adapting their tactics, using bank cards and electronic transfers to add an air of legitimacy to their schemes.
What this means for South Africans
For ordinary South Africans, the bust serves as a stark reminder that even culturally respected roles can be weaponised by dishonest individuals. It also highlights the need for stronger consumer protection measures that extend beyond conventional financial fraud into areas traditionally governed by community trust.
We at SA Report will continue to monitor the court proceedings, offering updates as the legal process unfolds. The suspects are expected to plead not guilty, but with R96 700 already seized and clear evidence linking them to the victim, the odds are stacked against them.
In the meantime, the police’s decisive action sends a clear message: fraudulent traditional healer operations will not be tolerated, and those who attempt to profit from the faith and desperation of others will face the full weight of the law.