Popular traditional healer Gogo Maweni faces assault charges as investigators examine connection to five deaths.

South African sangoma Gogo Maweni has been arrested in Mondeor, Johannesburg, facing assault charges while investigators probe her possible connection to five murders between 2020 and 2024.

The 39-year-old traditional healer was taken into custody on Sunday morning by the Gauteng Cold Case Investigating Unit. The assault charges stem from a 2019 incident that has recently yielded new evidence.

The arrest follows public accusations from fellow sangoma Gogo Skhotheni, who previously claimed Maweni was involved in multiple murders. Though their public feud had ended, the allegations have gained renewed attention.

Maweni is scheduled to appear at the Protea Magistrates Court on Monday, where prosecutors will oppose bail. She also faces fresh allegations from another traditional healer who claims Maweni threatened her life.

The case has sparked widespread social media reaction, with many expressing shock at the serious nature of the charges against the controversial public figure.