Traditional healer denied bail after allegedly kidnapping mother and child

A 68-year-old traditional healer (sangoma) from Greytown has been denied bail by the Pinetown Magistrate's Court for kidnapping a mother and her one-year-old son.

The police found the child; however, the mother is still reported as missing. 

Nzenzephi Phewa, the sangoma, is alleged to have been the landlord of where the mother was residing. According to the State, Phewa has denied knowing the whereabouts of the child's mother. However, the child was found by the police playing at Phewa’s home. 

The child’s father said that when he returned home on July 7, 2025, his wife and child were missing. Upon making enquiries, he established that his son was with Phewa; however, his wife is still missing. 

In opposing the bail application of Phewa, which is under Schedule Six of the Criminal Procedure Act, the investigating officer, warrant officer Michelle Pillay, said Phewa may try to flee to avoid court proceedings.

Pillay stated that due to the nature of the crime and its classification, she should not be granted bail

“The child was found in her possession. She cannot give a valid explanation as to how the child ended up being with her,” Pillay explained. 

She further stated that Phewa was arrested by police from the Marianhill police station, adding that at that stage, Phewa’s previous convictions were unknown, and there were no pending cases. 

In stating her circumstances, Phewa stated that she is married and has three children. She said she is diabetic and can afford to pay R100 bail. 

The matter was postponed to September 10. 

nomonde.zondi@inl.co.za