Winterveld Sangoma in Court Over Brutal Murder of 19-Year-Old Healer
Winterveld, Tshwane – The community of Winterveld remains gripped by fear and outrage following the brutal killing of 19-year-old sangoma, Gontse Makhubela, whose death has been linked to ritualistic practices. On Wednesday, 10 September 2025, 26-year-old sangoma Aizeque Zacaria Cumbuia appeared briefly in the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrates Court in connection with the shocking case.
According to police, Makhubela, who hailed from Jericho in the North West, was murdered, burnt, and her remains stuffed into a plastic grocery bag. Authorities suspect that her killing was motivated by the belief that her body parts could be used for supernatural powers.
Family Devastated by the Brutal Loss
The young healer’s family has been left shattered. Her grandmother, Maria Mongwe (76), expressed deep grief, condemning the act as inhumane.
“Gontse is my granddaughter. I’m hurt. They even took her body parts to use. Why didn’t he kill his own kid? A sangoma who uses human body parts is a witch,” she said tearfully.
Gontse’s aunt, Onicca Makhubela (69), described the trauma of laying her niece to rest with only ashes and a badly injured head to bury.
“She was murdered at night and burnt the whole night. Her remains were inside a plastic grocery bag. Gontse was brutally murdered. We can’t eat or sleep,” she lamented. She further revealed that the family has been haunted by dreams in which Gontse appears, asking them not to cry.
Traditional Healers Condemn the Killing
Fellow sangomas have also spoken out, distancing themselves from such practices and calling for Cumbuia to face the full might of the law. Nthabiseng Skhosana (35) expressed frustration at the stigma that genuine traditional healers now face.
“We are struggling to wear our beads because people think we are killers. People like him must rot in jail. We don’t want him in our community,” she said.
The killing has not only scarred the family but also tainted the reputation of sangomas in the area, leaving many struggling to practice openly without fear of judgment.
Court Proceedings and Ongoing Investigations
During his appearance at the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrates Court, Cumbuia faced charges of possession of human tissue. Magistrate Themba Shabangu postponed the matter to 14 October 2025 for further investigation.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that the case may be linked to a broader investigation. Spokeswoman Lumka Mahanjana revealed that police discovered the human tissue inside Cumbuia’s indumba while investigating another murder case in Brits, where a woman’s body parts were removed and her body set alight.
Community Calls for Justice
Local leaders and residents have called for swift justice. Alice Fakude, Ward 24 ANC branch secretary, condemned the act, particularly as it highlights the growing violence against women.
“The killing of women and kids must end. We want justice for Gontse. Aizeque must rot in jail,” she said.
The case has reignited conversations around ritual killings, violence against women, and the exploitation of cultural practices for criminal gain. As the investigation continues, the community of Winterveld waits anxiously, hoping that justice will be served for Gontse Makhubela.