OSHAKATI – A 31-year-old man believed to be a traditional healer is expected to appear in the Oshakati Magistrate’s Court after he was arrested for practising without the relevant documents required.
He was arrested on Tuesday at his house in Evululuko location, Oshakati.
Regional Police Commander for Oshana, Commissioner Naftal Sakaria confirmed the incident.
Police said the suspect was found in possession of herbs, concoctions and other related paraphernalia used in his practice as a healer. It is alleged that the suspect would ‘treat’ clients before they went to Etosha National Park to illegally hunt rhinos and wildlife on private game farms.
According to the police, clients would stop by his house before their hunting trips to receive treatments that they believed would protect them from being arrested.
After returning from Etosha, they would again visit the healer for treatments believed to make them invisible to law enforcement.
Police confirmed that cash amounting to N$2 842.50 was found in the suspect’s possession, reportedly paid by one of his clients.
Meanwhile, a 39-year-old man was also arrested at the healer’s residence.
He is suspected of planning to illegally hunt wildlife in Etosha and was allegedly being treated by the healer for that purpose.
He will also appear in the magistrate’s court today.
The healer was arrested for contravening the Health Professions Act 16 of 2024, Section 93(1), which prohibits unregistered individuals from practising any health profession.
Additionally, he was charged under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 28 of 2024, as amended by Act 9 of 2023, Section 4.
Investigations are ongoing.
Commissioner Sakaria stated that police will continue to arrest traditional healers who mislead the public by operating without permits.
“To be a traditional healer, one must acquire a relevant permit and be recognised by their headman,” he said.
He also stated that another traditional herbalist, Andrew Sacharia, is still in custody after being arrested for allegedly attempting to kill his housemate.
Sakaria urged members of the public to report any individuals practising as herbalists or traditional healers without proper authorisation, as it is illegal.