Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the perpetrator approached the victim, who was training to be a sangoma, and demanded sex to "remove the evil spirits as she was bewitched."

"The teenager did not consent to his request, but the suspect seemingly forced himself [on her] and later raped her. Afterwards, the victim went home and informed her mother about the ordeal, and the matter was immediately reported to the police," said Ledwaba. 

Police said after the rape case was opened, they conducted a massive search to find the suspect. 

On Thursday, police apprehended the suspect at his home. 

The suspect will appear in the Bolobedu Magistrate's Court on Monday, 18 September on a charge of rape. Police investigations are continuing, Ledwaba said.

Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe said the law must take its course against traditional healers who rape victims. 

"I am delighted about the arrest of the traditional healer who took advantage of a vulnerable victim who was supposed to be assisted, guided and protected by individuals like him who are trusted in the society."

"The law [must] take its course, and people like him deserve to be permanently removed from the society," said Hadebe.