ITHWASA ARRESTED FOLLOWING DEATHS OF GOBELA’S YOUNG CHILDREN.

A community has been left in shock following the deaths of two young children, aged four and two, in an incident allegedly involving an ithwasa who had been living with their family during his traditional training.

According to reports, the man, identified as Katlego, had moved into the home of his gobela as part of his ukuthwasa journey. Community members say he had gained the trust of the family over time and was often left to assist with household responsibilities, including caring for the children.

The incident allegedly occurred on 13 May 2026 after the gobela and her husband left home to go to town, leaving the children in Katlego’s care. Katlego called the kids inside his room, stabbed both to death then he took then he cut off their armpits,braaid ate the armpits.

When the couple returned, they reportedly asked where the children were. Katlego allegedly told them he had not seen the children since they had left earlier in the day.

Concerned by the children’s disappearance, the family alerted community members and police, who launched a search. As questions surrounding the children’s whereabouts intensified, investigators reportedly became suspicious of inconsistencies in Katlego’s account.

According to information circulating within the community, Katlego later allegedly admitted to killing the children. Reports further claim that he told investigators he believed he was acting on instructions from ancestors.

The allegations have sparked widespread outrage and grief, with many community members struggling to come to terms with the deaths of the young children and the circumstances surrounding the case.

Police are expected to continue their investigation, and authorities have urged the public to allow the legal process to proceed. At this stage, the allegations remain subject to investigation and court proceedings.

Traditional healers and cultural leaders have also expressed concern, emphasizing that the actions alleged in the case should not be viewed as representative of traditional healing practices or the ukuthwasa process as a whole.

The deaths of the two children have left a deep wound in the community, with many residents calling for justice and support for the grieving family.