By Staff Reporter
FICKSBURG — Two controversial traditional healers accused of petrol-bombing an eight-year-old boy in a grotesque attempt to “expel evil spirits” will spend Christmas behind bars.
Mafere Simon Masiza (40) and Mafusi Tshabalala (39) face charges of attempted murder, child abuse and child neglect.
They are expected to appear in the Ficksburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 15 January 2026.
The pair allegedly doused Tshabalala’s eight-year-old son with petrol and set him alight during a so-called cleansing ritual. The child suffered catastrophic burn injuries estimated at 60–80% of his body.
The incident, which occurred in January this year, sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concern over dangerous practices that place children’s lives at risk.
Court papers indicate that Tshabalala initially claimed her son was ill. It later emerged that she had consulted a prophet, who allegedly referred her to a traditional healer. During the ritual, petrol was poured over the child and ignited, leaving him critically injured.
The boy was hospitalized for several months and was discharged in April.
Public anger has continued to mount, with community members and churches mobilizing to demand justice. Residents of Ficksburg gathered outside the courthouse in a show of solidarity, carrying placards and chanting for accountability.
Community leader and chairperson of the Mary Raletoane Foundation, Matshele Raletoane, said the community would not relent until the harshest possible sentence is imposed.
“The life of this young boy has been permanently altered. The injuries he suffered have devastated him emotionally and mentally,” Raletoane said.
“His mother and her co-accused deserve the longest possible jail term. A mother who ignored her child’s screams has no place among us.”
Meanwhile, Thokozile Nogabe, chairwoman of the Buwang Basadi Women Organisation, commended the National Prosecuting Authority for opposing bail and ensuring the accused remain in custody.
“We welcome the firm stance taken by the NPA. Keeping the accused behind bars sends a strong message that crimes against children will not be tolerated,” Nogabe said.
