Popular traditional healer Makgotso “Gogo Maweni” Mofokeng has been granted bail of R5,000 after spending over a week in police custody.
The Protea Magistrate’s Court made its ruling following a compelling bail application, during which Maweni’s legal team highlighted her pregnancy and personal circumstances.
Background of the Case
Maweni was arrested earlier this month on charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The charge stems from an alleged incident in 2019. Her arrest followed a Gauteng Police Cold Case Investigation Unit operation, as authorities revisited unresolved cases involving allegations of violence.
Since her arrest, Maweni’s case has drawn public interest, with supporters, including fellow traditional healers, gathering outside the courthouse to show solidarity.
Bail Application Arguments
Represented by her new lawyer, Riaan Gissing, Maweni’s bail application emphasized several factors to demonstrate her eligibility for release:
- Pregnancy and Health Concerns
Maweni informed the court that she is pregnant and has faced significant challenges in custody. Gissing argued that she had not received adequate prenatal care while in detention, which posed a potential risk to her health and that of her unborn child. - Family Responsibilities
Maweni stated that her family, especially her children, rely heavily on her. The ordeal of her arrest and detention had caused trauma for her family, and her continued absence would exacerbate their distress. - Non-Flight Risk
The defence provided evidence that Maweni is not a flight risk, citing her consistent residence in South Africa and lack of any attempts to leave the country over the past five years. Gissing argued that her ties to the country, including her professional commitments and family responsibilities, made her highly unlikely to abscond. - Rehabilitation and Legal Compliance
Maweni’s legal team also pointed out that she has cooperated with law enforcement and demonstrated a willingness to comply with court proceedings.
The Court’s Decision
After reviewing the submissions, Magistrate Rozelle Khiye granted Maweni bail, setting the amount at R5,000. The decision took into account the unique circumstances presented by the defence, particularly her pregnancy and the impact of detention on her health and family.
However, the court emphasized that Maweni must adhere strictly to the bail conditions, including appearing for all future court dates. Failure to comply could result in the forfeiture of bail and re-arrest.
Public Reaction and Support
The ruling was met with relief and celebration from Maweni’s supporters, many of whom had gathered outside the court dressed in traditional attire. The group, which included fellow traditional healers, chanted and sang as news of the bail decision spread.
On social media, reactions were mixed. While some expressed support for Maweni, citing her role as a mother and cultural figure, others criticized the decision, questioning the nature of the allegations against her.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Despite securing bail, Maweni still faces serious charges, and the case remains under investigation. The prosecution has indicated that they intend to present evidence linking Maweni to the alleged 2019 assault.
In addition to the assault charges, Maweni is reportedly under investigation for unrelated matters, including allegations tied to five separate murder cases dating between 2020 and 2024. However, her legal team has dismissed these allegations as speculative and unrelated to the current case.
Next Steps
The case will return to court in the coming weeks, where both the defence and prosecution will present their arguments. In the meantime, Maweni has vowed to comply with all legal requirements while focusing on her family and pregnancy.
Conclusion
The granting of bail marks a turning point in Gogo Maweni’s legal journey, allowing her temporary freedom as she prepares for her trial. While the allegations against her remain unresolved, her supporters continue to rally behind her, underscoring her influence as a cultural figure.
The court proceedings will ultimately determine her fate as the justice system weighs the evidence and testimonies in this high-profile case.
