In a chilling expose, Carte Blanche delves into a tragic and growing phenomenon within South Africa’s spiritual communities: exorcisms gone wrong. The investigative team shines a spotlight on the heart-wrenching story of Thozama Sonjica, a 17-year-old girl from KwaZulu-Natal, whose life was cut short during a harrowing ritual meant to “deliver” her from supposed demonic possession.
Thozama’s family, grappling with her sudden rebellious behavior and bad influences, sought help from their local pastor, who affirmed their belief that malevolent forces were at play. What followed was a series of exorcisms intended to rid Thozama and her friends of these alleged spirits. But the ritual descended into what family members have described as a nightmare of prolonged torture.
Five days after the ordeal began, Thozama succumbed to her injuries. Her death has sparked outrage and grief in the community, as her family now demands justice, raising difficult questions about the accountability of spiritual leaders who perform these dangerous rites.
A Hidden Epidemic
The tragedy in KwaZulu-Natal is not an isolated incident. Across South Africa, unregulated exorcisms have been linked to numerous injuries, psychological trauma, and deaths. Performed in secrecy, these rituals often involve extreme methods, including physical restraint, deprivation, and, in some cases, outright abuse.
Carte Blanche’s investigation, led by presenter Claire Mawisa and producer Busisiwe Gumede-Chizhanje, goes deep into this shadowy world. They reveal the lack of oversight and the cultural and religious pressures that allow such practices to persist.
The Struggle Between Faith and Accountability
For many communities, exorcisms represent a deeply entrenched spiritual belief – a desperate measure to confront perceived evil. But as more stories like Thozama’s emerge, critics argue that the government, faith-based organizations, and communities must do more to regulate these practices and protect vulnerable individuals.
Carte Blanche’s team speaks to survivors, religious leaders, and legal experts, uncovering the complexities of balancing spiritual traditions with modern human rights protections.
Thozama’s Legacy
As her family seeks justice, Thozama’s story is a sobering reminder of the dangers of unchecked spiritual practices. It raises urgent questions: Who is responsible when faith leads to fatal outcomes? And how can South Africa prevent more lives from being lost in the name of deliverance?
Catch the full investigation on Carte Blanche, 17 November 2024.