The arrest of popular South African sangoma and reality TV star Gogo Maweni, real name Makgotso Mofokeng, on Sunday, 19 January 2025, sent ripples through South Africa.
While many were surprised, others, including fellow traditional healer Gogo Skhotheni, had anticipated the news. Gogo Skhotheni had previously alluded to Maweni’s legal troubles in a live video, hinting at a possible murder case.
Maweni, 38 and visibly pregnant with twins, appeared in the Protea Magistrates Court on Monday, 20 January, facing charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The charge stems from an incident on 17 December 2019, in Dlamini, Soweto, where Maweni allegedly assaulted an ex-boyfriend’s relative using a bottle. The case had been provisionally closed due to the complainant’s untraceability, but further investigation led to Maweni’s arrest.
The NPA detailed the incident: “It is alleged that Mofokeng used a bottle to assault the complainant, striking her in the mouth. The matter was previously provisionally closed due to the untraceability of the complainant. However, further investigations have led to the accused’s arrest and court appearance.”
The court appearance was far from straightforward. Maweni, dressed in a grey top and track pants, initially attempted to claim a clean criminal record. However, the prosecutor revealed that the state possesses records indicating a previous conviction, although they required time to obtain the relevant documentation from the investigating officer. The defence countered that the previous matter was withdrawn.
The arrest followed an intelligence-led operation by the Gauteng Province Cold Case Investigation Unit. A police success report, detailed by Captain J. Mafukati, stated: “The information on the whereabouts of the suspect was followed up and led us to the suspect’s residence in Failands and later to the Mondeor area where the suspect was traced and arrested.”
The report also revealed that Maweni is implicated in four separate murder cases, located in Eldorado Park, Mondeor, Orange Farm, and Bekkersdal.
When contacted by Drum, Gogo Skhotheni declined to comment further, citing the ongoing investigation and her desire not to jeopardise the case. She also stated that the victim in the 2019 assault case had shared details in confidence.
Maweni’s advocate, Marcia Makuse, opposed a media request to record and broadcast the court proceedings, arguing that negative publicity could harm her client’s personal and professional life. However, Magistrate Rozelle Khiye ruled in favour of media coverage, prioritising principles of justice and media freedom. Makuse further argued against the bail opposition, highlighting Maweni’s role as a mother of four young children and the potential damage to her career as a traditional healer if negative publicity were to deter clients.
“We oppose the application as my client is a public figure, and with the negative headlines, she may not receive a fair trial. The repercussions of this case could extend to her ability to provide for her children and run her business effectively. If her clients were to read and hear negative things about her, that will affect her career,” Makuse stated.
The case was adjourned to 27 January for a formal bail application, with Maweni remanded in custody. The allegations against her, ranging from assault to multiple murder charges, have captivated the nation and raised serious questions about the life and practices of this prominent traditional healer. The upcoming bail application and subsequent trial will undoubtedly attract significant public attention. The police investigation continues, and further details are expected to emerge as the case unfolds.
