By OBAKENG MAJE
The body of a sangoma trainee, Maniekie Robert Botshelo (68) was allegedly found floating in the water in a cave at Leshobo village near Taung on Tuesday. It is alleged that Botshelo, who is from Matsheng village near Taung, was set to graduate the following day.
According to information, Botshelo’s lifeless bruised body was found by his ‘Gobela’, who called the police. He allegedly suffered injuries after he fell and hit a rock.
The North West police spokesperson for Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said the police attended to the complaint and found Botshelo’s body lying face down in the water.
“It appeared that he had drowned. An inquest case has been opened and is under investigation to determine what exactly transpired. The investigations will also determine the cause of his death,” van Rooyen said.
Meanwhile, a month ago, another sangoma trainee, Boitshepo Sapelo (32) from Vryburg allegedly drowned and died during his ritual ceremony in the same area. Van Rooyen said Sapelo and other trainees were busy with their rituals under the leadership of his “Gobela” when the atrocity took place.
“It is alleged that they were dipping themselves in the water and all of a sudden, Sapelo disappeared in the water. According to the information provided, a search for him commenced and his lifeless body re-surfaced after a few minutes.
“The police were immediately summoned to the scene and a case of the inquest was registered. The investigation into the matter continues,” she said.
The Guardian 