Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo
11 May 2025
A dramatic scene unfolded in Embalenhle Extension 16 on Friday, 2 May 2025, after a woman raised alarm by blowing a whistle, claiming that a man had confessed to killing children and hijacking vehicles.
The commotion began around 3PM, when community members gathered outside a local house where the alleged confession was said to have taken place. According to the woman, the man made the shocking confession while being attended to by a traditional healer.
However, the traditional healer in question denied the allegations, stating that the man had not made any such admission. He confirmed that the accused was brought in by family members who believed he was mentally unwell and needed traditional healing.
Police were called to the scene but reported that they could not take an official statement from the woman, as she was under the influence of alcohol at the time.
In the aftermath of the incident, tensions in the community rose. The homeowner, whose property was nearly set alight by angry residents, took the matter to local traditional leaders. As a result, the woman who made the accusation was summoned by the chiefs, where she was reportedly fined and ordered to publicly apologise to the homeowner and the wider community.
A follow-up community gathering was held on Sunday, 11 May 2025, where the woman delivered her apology in front of residents of Extension 16. She is also expected to perform a traditional cleansing at the complainant’s house as part of her atonement.
The incident has raised concerns about mob justice and the dangers of making unverified public accusations, especially in emotionally charged environments.
Local authorities have urged residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and to allow investigations to follow due process.
