KwaZulu-Natal community safety officials have expressed serious concern over emerging reports linking gang-related violence in Newcastle to ritual practices involving traditional healers.
According to Phumzile Xaba-Makhetha from the Department of Community Safety and Liaison, recent research conducted in the Osizweni area suggests that some young offenders have been consulting traditional practitioners for spiritual aid believed to enhance their fearlessness and power.
“We've seen a worrying increase in violent crimes in the area,” said Xaba-Makhetha. “What’s coming through from the community is that certain traditional healers are giving these youths Umuthi to embolden them — making them feel invincible.”
She added that some are allegedly being given Amabhande, ritual belts filled with traditional medicines, which are believed to grant them strength and fearlessness. “They wear these Amabhande and believe they can do anything,” she explained.
In response to the troubling revelations, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli is expected to host a roundtable discussion with local traditional healers on Tuesday morning at Osizweni Community Hall. The meeting aims to address the issue and find collaborative solutions to break the cycle of violence.
Authorities are calling for community cooperation and urging traditional practitioners to play a constructive role in curbing the rise in crime.