A well-known traditional healer and social butterfly from Khubvi village, Azwidowi Gadisi, appeared before the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court on Monday morning to face a charge of murder. It is alleged that he beat his wife to death on Saturday night.

After allegedly committing the crime, Gadisi handed himself over to the police on Sunday morning. The traditional healer had also allegedly abused his 32-year-old wife for several years, but neighbours were afraid to speak out due to his supposed magical powers.

His wife reportedly spent some time staying with her parents at the Damani section in Khubvi after she had run away because of his physical abuse. He supposedly pleaded with her to return to their marital home recently.

Gadisi has been arrested several times in the past for assault, and many residents in Khubvi village have described him as a bully. Some believe he changed his life around when he recently became a traditional healer.

A week before he allegedly killed his wife, Gadisi was trending on social media after posting a video clip displaying a large amount of money. He claimed to be an inyanga with magical powers and said he could help barren women conceive. He also boasted that he could buy 10 cows with the cash he made in a single day.

Many residents doubt the origin of his money and are suspicious that it might be stolen. He tried to assure people that the money displayed in the video was not stolen but was the result of his healing powers.

According to the SAPS's acting spokesperson in the Vhembe District, W/O Vuledzani Dathi, Gadisi's case has been postponed to 7 August for further police investigations.