A court has sentenced a spiritual healer from Makhanda in the Eastern Cape for culpable homicide after she caused the death of a 10-year-old boy by forcing large amounts of water into his body during a series of dangerous rituals.
Spiritual healer began ritual with salted water
According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Luxolo Tyali, the child’s father had sought help from Ntombentsha Limbo due to concerns over his son’s health and academic performance.
Upon arriving at Limbo’s home, the healer proposed a series of treatments.
She began by instructing the boy and his father to each consume five litres of salted water, intended to induce vomiting.
Although the boy appeared healthy and playful beforehand, he struggled with the process, managing to vomit only about 750 ml.
He soon began to feel unwell, reporting headaches and fatigue.
Treatment Escalates Despite Boy’s Distress
Limbo then claimed to have seen a vision of illness inside the child’s stomach and recommended an enema.
The father consented, although the child’s condition was deteriorating.
As the treatment continued, the boy cried out in pain and begged his father to stop, saying he felt like he was dying.
Limbo insisted that evil spirits were resisting the healing process and urged the father to continue with her methods.
Limbo proceeded to administer multiple enemas, including one using Sunlight laundry soap. She also poured water into the boy’s eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.
The situation turned critical when the boy began foaming at the mouth. In a panic, his father rushed him to a nearby clinic, but he arrived too late—doctors declared Agcobile dead shortly after.
Nine-Year Sentence, Five Years Suspended
IOL reported that Ntombentsha Limbo received a nine-year prison sentence, suspended for five years. For the death of Agcobile Busakwe, who passed on 4 October 2023.
The court heard the case in Makhanda Regional Court.
Medical Testimony Highlights Preventability
However, a medical expert who testified in court stated that the boy could have survived if he had received proper medical attention in time.
The doctor added that even an adult would face life-threatening complications after ingesting such excessive amounts of water.
During cross-examination, Limbo failed to provide a compelling explanation for continuing with the treatment. Particularly after the child began showing signs of severe distress and pleaded for help.
Do you think authorities should regulate traditional healers more strictly to prevent harmful practices like this?
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