Rita Odafe
A 39-year-old traditional healer named Catherine Nhongo has been charged with sexually assaulting a 17-year-old boy who has mental challenges.
This shocking incident took place on November 10 and has sparked outrage in the community, leading to charges of aggravated indecent assault.
Nhongo appeared before magistrate Donald Ndirowei, who has kept her in custody while the court decides on her bail application. Gripping details surrounding the assault were discussed during the hearing.
As reported, the boy’s sister encountered Nhongo while shopping, where she shared her brother’s struggles with communication and other disabilities. Nhongo offered to provide healing, which the sister accepted, resulting in an invitation to visit her for a spiritual session.
When the family arrived, Nhongo requested the boy’s brother to buy beer and cigarettes for her rituals. Believing it was part of the healing process, the brother complied. Nhongo consumed the items and then instructed the brother to force mealie meal into the boy’s mouth.
She began to inappropriately touch the boy and ordered his siblings to leave the room, claiming she needed privacy for the boy’s healing. Trusting her, they left, thinking they were helping him.
What followed was distressing. As the siblings heard alarming noises coming from the house, the boy eventually emerged distressed, signaling for help.
Using his brother’s phone, he sent a text revealing that Nhongo had assaulted him. The brother quickly informed his sisters, who then contacted the police.
In a desperate attempt to flee, Nhongo tried to escape but was apprehended by the boy’s brother before she could get away.
