Renowned and controversial traditional healer Makgotso “Gogo Maweni” Mokopo was reportedly arrested at her home on Sunday, 19 January 2025.
What we know about Gogo Maweni’s murder case
The arrest has sent shockwaves across South Africa, as the sangoma faces allegations tied to multiple criminal cases, including assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and links to five murder cases spanning 2020 to 2024.
According to case details circulating on social media, Gogo Maweni was detained at Mondeor SAPS and is expected to appear at the Protea Magistrates Court on January 20, 2025. Police have indicated that they will oppose her bail application.
The allegations against Gogo Maweni have intensified following claims by fellow traditional healer Patricia “Gogo Skhotheni” Motsoeneng. In a widely viewed TikTok live session, Skhotheni accused Maweni of involvement in two specific murder cases, including the death of her best friend’s husband.
Gogo Skhotheni has publicly accused Maweni of orchestrating the murder of her best friend’s husband, known as King Precious. Skhotheni alleged that Maweni manipulated Precious into asking her husband to retrieve a supposed gift outside their home.
While fulfilling the request, Precious’s husband was reportedly ambushed and fatally shot six times.
Adding to the controversy, Skhotheni claimed that Maweni had bribed law enforcement to bury evidence.
She further alleged that Maweni’s brother, Phakiso, gave a statement to the police asserting that Maweni, while intoxicated, had confessed to orchestrating the murder.
The second murder accusation involves the death of one of Maweni’s initiates, Jabu Mahlangu.
While details remain unclear, Skhotheni has vowed to bring these cases to light, warning of dire consequences if anything happens to her or her family.