The residents of Kainogoga cell in Mafubira, Jinja City’s Northern division, are reeling in shock and disbelief after a renowned traditional healer was arrested for allegedly raping a female patient. The suspect, Siraj Wanzala, a 70-year-old witch doctor, reportedly took advantage of the victim’s vulnerability, exploiting her trust in his magical healing powers.
The distressing incident came to light when the victim sought the traditional healer’s assistance to alleviate spiritual disturbances she was experiencing in her body, likened to a moving snake. In exchange for his services, Wanzala demanded a sum of shs120,000. Under the cover of darkness, he conducted the healing ritual in his shrine, instructing the woman to undress for the cleansing process and sprinkling of magic waters.
However, the situation took a sinister turn, as the healing session quickly turned sexual, with Wanzala claiming that it was an essential part of the healing process. Shocked and traumatized, the victim recounts enduring multiple instances of abuse as the witch doctor ordered her to return to the shrine repeatedly for supposed further healing sessions. The victim’s life has since been haunted by nightmares of the witch doctor’s threats to her life if she were to disclose the matter.
After being on the run, the suspect was apprehended and is currently detained at Jinja Central Police Station (CPS). According to Kiira Region Police’s SP James Mubi, Wanzala faces charges of rape for his heinous actions.
The incident in Kainogoga cell adds to a disturbing trend of sexual harassment, as it follows closely on the heels of the recent tragedy involving Joshua Wandegeya, a primary teacher at White Rose Junior School, who was arrested for defiling a 6-year-old pupil. SP Mubi has declared a crackdown on unscrupulous traditional healers who exploit vulnerable women sexually and financially, vowing to wipe out such abhorrent practices in the region.
