Times Of Swaziland: STOLEN TRADITIONAL HEALER’S ITEMS MYSTERIOUSLY RETURNED AT MAMBANE

STOLEN TRADITIONAL HEALER’S ITEMS MYSTERIOUSLY RETURNED AT MAMBANE
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Thokozani Mamba on 05/02/2025 09:50:00


MAMBANE – In a surprising turn of events, the traditional medicine and healing
items stolen from Inyanga Mahlabasihlangane Ndzinisa’s consultation room
(indumba) at Mambane last month have been ‘mysteriously’ returned. The
theft, which occurred on January 6, 2025, and was reported to the Tikhuba and
Siteki Police Stations, had sent shockwaves through the community, raising
concerns about both the financial loss and the deep cultural and spiritual
implications of such an act.
As previously reported, unknown assailants broke into Ndzinisa’s indumba and
made off with an estimated E30 740 worth of traditional medicines and healing
kit, leaving behind other valuables.  The incident sparked widespread unease,
with many fearing the spiritual repercussions of disturbing such sacred items.
Traditional healers emphasised the importance of muti in African belief systems,
highlighting its connection to ancestral spirits and the potential consequences
for those who disrespect it. Yesterday morning, Ndzinisa discovered the stolen
items – including a kanga, drums, concoctions in bottles and other traditional
medicines – placed within his family yard, just a few metres from the indumba.
Visibly relieved, Ndzinisa immediately contacted the police, who had been
investigating the initial break-in.  He also consulted with another traditional
healer to perform rituals before touching the returned items. “It is strange
that someone can invade my home in the wee hours and bring back my items I used
for healing,” Ndzinisa commented.  He acknowledged that he suspected certain
individuals of trying to frustrate him, but expressed relief that the items had
been returned.
He also noted the disruption the theft had caused to his healing practice, as he
relied on the stolen medicines and tools in his work with clients. Ndzinisa
hopes that the ritual will shed light on who was behind both the theft and the
return of the items. The timing of the items’ return, while the police
investigation was still ongoing, has raised questions. While Ndzinisa remained
somewhat coy about whether he had performed rituals to ensure the return of his
belongings, he did confirm that the police were actively involved in the case.
Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Senior Superintendent
Phindile Vilakati confirmed that the police had received a report about the
returned items and had responded accordingly. The police investigation into the
initial theft remains ongoing. One resident said :“This unexpected development
brings a sense of closure to a disturbing chapter for the Mambane community. 
While questions remain about the motives behind the theft and the return, the
safe recovery of the traditional medicines and healing kits offers a sense of
relief and a restoration of balance within the community.”