Fearful elder loses P571k to ‘spiritual healer’
“You will die; the ancestors want you dead but I can save you!”
This chilling message, delivered over the phone by a self-proclaimed spiritual healer he’d never met, was enough to convince a fearful Makobo pensioner to hand over close to P600, 000 to a complete stranger.
In total, 64-year-old Bious Segole allegedly gave Bakhulumi Mduluchwa P571, 200 to ‘save his life’ and banish the evil spirits wishing him harm back in July 2023.
After handing over the eye-watering sum, Segole grew suspicious when Mduluchwa, 50, suddenly stopped taking his calls.
Realising his costly error, on 21 August 2023, the old man reported his concerns to the police and a manhunt for Mduluchwa was launched.
Despite their best efforts, including twice splashing the suspect’s ‘Wanted’ poster on their Facebook page, the Shashe Mooke native managed to evade arrest for over two years.
His luck run out on Monday morning (2 March), when the boys in blue tracked him down, apprehending him in his home village.
Hauled before Francistown Magistrates Court the very next day, the silver-haired suspect, who works as a vendor at the bus rank, was charged with obtaining by false pretences.
Urging court not to let Mduluchwa go just yet, State Prosecutor, Moathodi Macheng revealed investigations were still ongoing.
“The accused person is to be confronted with the victim. The offense occurred in 2023 and the accused person is only arraigned today. We seek that he be remanded in custody as we are trying to establish the whereabouts of the money,” pleaded Macheng.
Given the chance to address the Magistrate, the would-be prophet claimed the only reason he fled was that the complainant confronted him with a gun and he feared for his life – the very same fear he instilled in Segole to win his ill-gotten gains!
“He once fired and no action was taken. I am asking for bail because we have to discuss about the money. I am a Motswana and my wife and children are here in court. Even the police know where they arrested me,” he declared in loud, confident tones, the type of voice perfect for giving prophecies!
This time, however, the accused conman’s words did not get him the desired result, as his bail plea was denied.
Remanded in custody, Mduluchwa returns to court on 26 March, when he will come face to face with Segole.
