Johannesburg - There were conflicting stories on Monday about the number of people arrested for allegedly tricking a man into paying them R2.5 million to heal his sick child with a python.
The National Prosecuting Authority said two men, Shamimu Galabuzi and Lawrence Ndwahla, appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court on Monday for theft. The matter was apparently postponed to April for a formal bail application.
Spokesman Velekhaya Mgobhozi said he was not aware of any women who had been arrested.
On Friday, Ekurhuleni metro police said they arrested three Ugandan nationals in Honeydew, Roodepoort, after being approached by a man who claimed he was being swindled of money.
A man, 44, and two women, aged 25 and 30, were arrested, spokesman Superintendent Wilfred Kgasago said on Sunday. They would face charges of theft under false pretences and contravention of the Animals Act.
“A father, desperate for his child to be healed of a life-threatening ailment, was referred to a traditional healer who allegedly uses a python to heal patients,” Kgasago said.
“The parent claims that he was charged R4.5 million for the treatment of his sick child.”
The man told police on Friday he had paid R2.5m in two instalments. The traditional healer had been waiting for the R2m balance the man still owed.
During the arrests, a 10m-long snake was confiscated and handed to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
On Monday, Honeydew police spokeswoman, Warrant Officer Karen Jacobs, said a man and a woman appeared in the court. The two would remain in police custody she said.
Sapa