Traditional nurse sentenced for grievous bodily harm during initiation ceremony

The Tsomo Magistrates’ Court has handed down a stern sentence to traditional nurse Siyasanga Sifumba, aged 30, who has been sentenced to two years of direct imprisonment for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) on an initiate under his supervision during the recent 2024 summer initiation season.

The court has also deemed Sifumba, who is already a convicted assailant, unfit to possess a firearm, in a landmark decision that has raised alarm about the safety of boys undergoing traditional initiation.

Sifumba’s conviction comes on the back of a horrifying case that unfolded late last year. He was arrested in December 2024 after an 18-year-old initiate was hospitalised due to severe injuries sustained from multiple assaults at the initiation school where Sifumba was entrusted with his care.

The attacks, characterised by brutality, were particularly shocking as they were carried out on three separate occasions, using a wooden stick to strike the victim’s knees and threatening him with a knife. Witness testimony came from the victim’s older brother, who had recently completed the same initiation process.

According to the prosecution, the victim was subjected to physical abuse, including being kicked repeatedly while Sifumba made death threats against both boys and their family. This harassment not only degraded the young initiate's physical well-being but also robbed him of the opportunity to complete a cultural milestone, compounding the tragedy of the situation.

In court, the prosecution, led by Elihle Mbutho, presented compelling evidence, including statements from the victim, his brother, and a medical doctor who examined the injuries. Despite Sifumba’s steadfast denial of wrongdoing—claiming, instead, that the initiate was being assaulted at night by alleged witchcraft—the court found his defence implausible.

The severity of the injuries and the corroboration of the victim's account against Sifumba's assertions led to a firm conclusion that custodial punishment was warranted.

Eastern Cape's Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Barry Madolo, praised the bravery exhibited by both the victim and his brother for their willingness to speak out against the abuse.

“Their courageous actions should serve as an example to other initiates who are rescued from abusive initiation schools. We urge them not to hide behind the secrecy of this sacred rite of passage to manhood, but rather to speak out so that justice may prevail,” Madolo remarked, emphasising the need for accountability within the traditional practices that are meant to be transformative rather than destructive.

IOL