TSHIDIMBINI – A popular traditional healer, Mr Freddy Nemukula (74) of Tshidimbini Village, was allegedly shot and killed by a man who claimed to be his patient. The incident took place last Tuesday.

According to a spokesperson for the police in the Vhembe region, Mr Nemukula was sitting under a tree outside his home, when a man emerged and fired two shots at him. He was hit in the chest and the traditional healer died instantly.

According to the police report, the suspect came to see Nemukula last Monday and found the healer Mr Nemukula not at home.

He allegedly told a member of Nemukula's family that he would be back on Tuesday, claiming that Nemukula was his traditional healer. He came back on Tuesday and then allegedly shot Mr Nemukula.The suspect fled and the police are still looking for him.

The president of the Mbofho Traditional Healers, Mr Mbulaheni Neluvhola, told Mirror that the death of Mr Nemukula is a great loss because traditional healers are "healers of the world".