Polokwane – In the small mining town of Northam, in the Waterberg District Municipality in Limpopo, a person desperate for answers was lured into “the world of promises” by a supposed traditional healer and, in the process, was defrauded of a huge sum of money.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the matter, in which a victim was reportedly defrauded of a substantial amount of money by an individual posing as a traditional healer, was “operationalised” on Africa Day, Monday, 25 May 2026.
Acting on a tip-off, police traced a white Toyota Corolla believed to have been used during the commission of the offence.
“The vehicle was intercepted in Brits, North West Province, where a male and female suspect were arrested,” said Colonel Ledwaba.
During the operation, police recovered several bank cards, multiple cellular phones, the complainant’s cellphone, and approximately R18 000 in cash found inside the vehicle.
Further investigations led police to a guest house in Brits, where additional cash was recovered from a safe.
“The total amount of money seized during the operation amounts to R96 700,” said Colonel Ledwaba.
Northam police, working with PPS Security Brits, arrested two suspects aged 38 and 49 in connection with a case of theft under false pretences reported in Northam.
All recovered items were confiscated for further investigation.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Northam Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of theft under false pretences.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the law enforcers involved in the operation for their swift response and arrest of suspects.
