Sangomas gather outside court in support of Gogo Maweni! Protea Magistrates Court, Soweto – A group of traditional healers gathered outside the Protea Magistrates Court on Monday, showing their unwavering support for popular sangoma, Makgotso ‘Gogo Maweni’ Mofokeng.
The well-known spiritual healer, who has been making headlines recently, is facing a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, dating back to 2019.
The gathering outside the court is a display of solidarity as Maweni prepares to apply for bail, following her first court appearance earlier this week. Traditional healers, dressed in black attire with red “amabhayi” – a traditional garment signifying support – stood together, reinforcing their collective backing for Maweni during this challenging time.
Gogo Maweni
The Charges Against Gogo Maweni
Maweni’s legal troubles began when she was charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The alleged incident dates back to 2019, when she was accused of assaulting an individual, an event that has now come under scrutiny by the court. The details surrounding the assault have not been fully disclosed, but the charge carries serious legal consequences.
At her first court appearance on Monday, Maweni faced intense media attention. Presiding officer, Rozelle Khiye, made the decision to postpone the matter for further investigation. One of the key issues that arose during the hearing was the need for the State to verify whether Maweni had any previous convictions, a process that would take up to a week.
Maweni spent the rest of the week in police custody, awaiting the outcome of the State’s investigation. Her supporters are hopeful that she will be granted bail, allowing her to continue with her life and work. The gathering outside the court serves as a sign of the strong community that Maweni has cultivated over the years.
Gogo Maweni
Support from the Traditional Healers’ Community
The presence of traditional healers at the court was a show of support for Maweni, who has been a prominent figure in the South African spiritual healing community. As a sangoma, Maweni’s influence reaches far beyond the courtroom, and her supporters see the legal proceedings against her as an attack on her work and reputation.
Wearing the traditional black and red clothing, the healers chanted and held placards, voicing their belief in Maweni’s innocence. Many of them spoke about the importance of standing by one of their own in times of trouble, particularly when it comes to legal matters that could affect the spiritual and healing practices they hold dear.
“We stand with Gogo Maweni,” one of the supporters said. “She has always been there for us, and now it’s our turn to show her that we believe in her and support her through this.”
In addition to their vocal support outside the court, the healers have called for understanding and respect for traditional practices. They believe that the media attention surrounding Maweni has been unfairly focused on her personal life rather than her work as a healer.
Further Investigations Into Murder Allegations
The legal troubles for Gogo Maweni extend beyond the assault charge. Reports have surfaced indicating that Maweni is also allegedly being investigated for five murder charges, spanning the years between 2020 and 2024. These allegations, which have yet to be substantiated, have added an air of mystery and concern to the ongoing legal proceedings.
The details of these murder charges remain unclear, with authorities keeping much of the investigation under wraps. As of now, there has been no formal statement from Maweni regarding the allegations, and her supporters remain focused on the current charge of assault.
Gogo Maweni
Despite the serious nature of these investigations, Maweni’s legal team has emphasized that she is innocent until proven guilty. The bail application, set to be heard in the coming days, will be a crucial moment for the healer as she seeks her release from custody while awaiting the outcome of the ongoing investigations.
The Road Ahead for Gogo Maweni
The court case is expected to continue for some time, with several legal hurdles still to be cleared. While the traditional healers’ community rallies behind her, the path ahead for Maweni remains uncertain. The charges, both past and present, have cast a shadow over her career, but her supporters remain hopeful that justice will prevail.
Maweni’s case highlights the ongoing tension between traditional practices and the law, as well as the challenges that individuals in the spiritual and healing communities face when their personal lives become the subject of public scrutiny. As the case unfolds, both her supporters and critics will closely watch the proceedings, waiting for answers to the questions that surround the healer’s future.
In the meantime, Maweni’s loyal followers continue to stand by her, offering both moral and emotional support as she navigates these difficult legal battles. Her next court appearance will be a pivotal moment in her journey, one that may determine the course of her career and personal life in the coming months.