MAKHWIBODENG – Tension is mounting in the small village of Makhwibodeng near Nkowakowa, following the burning of two houses belonging to a sangoma, who is accused of bewitching a youth, who wanted herbs to help him get a full-time job.

The youth burnt down the two huts belonging to Gladys Maake, who allegedly confessed to the community and the traditional leader, Grace Seboe Mantjoro Maake (58), that she gave Khashane Malatji (19) "the herbs that made him mad, instead of giving him the lucky charm as he had requested."

According to Samuel Seshakone Malatji (44) spokesperson for the Malatji family, Khashane went to Gladys' home and requested muti to help him to get a permanent job. Khashane was a temporary worker at Metz Bakery.

Chief Maake said Gladys confirmed to her, the Malatji family and the entire community that she went to the mountain with Khashane, where she performed some rituals on him. However, his boss chased Khashane away when he reported to work the following day. Khashane then went back home were he started behaving strangely. Since then, he allegedly became mentally disturbed.

Malatji said the matter was taken to Chief Grace who called the two families and the community together and Gladys confessed that she had given Khashane the wrong medicine.

The chief also confirmed that there was an arrangement that the two families would take Khashane to a certain traditional healer to heal him. In an about turn, Gladys then reported the matter to the Lenyenye police station claiming that the Malatji family was accusing her of being a witch. However, a meeting was arranged between the two families and the police. It was again agreed that Gladys would pay for Khashane's medical expenses. The young man then became impatient, and burnt the huts of Gladys.

Sixteen youths were arrested for arson with four of them younger than 18 years old, who were released on their own. A community leader, Juffy Sekhwela, said they were busy collecting money for bail of the other youths who were still in custody.

Chief Grace, who is also a nurse at Dr CN Phathudi Hospital said she would call a meeting on Sunday where she will appeal to parents so keep their children calm so that the matter could be resolved peacefully.

During the time of going to press, Gladys was still under the protection of police at Maake Police station, Lenyenye.