EC traditional nurse sentenced to 2 years in prison for assaulting initiate
Sifumba, who was arrested last year December was found guilty of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
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JOHANNESBURG - A traditional nurse in the Eastern Cape has been sentenced to two years in prison for the assault of an initiate.
Siyasanga Sifumba’s judgment was handed down on Tuesday at the Tsomo Magistrates Court.
Sifumba, who was arrested in December last year, was found guilty of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Last year, during the summer initiation period, an 18-year-old initiate was hospitalised.
It's reported that Sifumba, who was entrusted with the safety of the initiate, had assaulted him on more than one occasion.
Eastern Cape National Prosecution Authority spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said that Sifumba had pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing against the victim.
"Welcoming the judgment, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), advocate Barry Madolo, commended the bravery of the victim and his brother for standing up against abuse and cooperating with the court. Their courageous actions should serve as an example to other initiates who are rescued from abusive initiation schools."
Tyali has urged initiates to report any incidents during this initiation period in the province.