The Kavango West police on Monday opened an attempted murder case against a prophet of a church in Manzwa village after a 12-year-old boy was hospitalised in critical condition following a traditional healing treatment. 

According to Regional Commander Commissioner Julia Sakuwa-Neo, the incident occurred on 18 October 2025 when the boy was brought to the church for healing.

"The prophet said he must be given a concoction rectally. Another solution was mixed and given to the grandmother of the boy to do it at home," Sakuwa-Neo said.

The boy became seriously ill and was rushed to the hospital, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit. Medical examinations revealed damage to his intestines, although doctors could not immediately determine whether the injuries resulted from the concoction or from his original illness.

Blood samples have been sent for analysis, with results still pending.

The prophet, Sakuwa-Neo, said, was charged with attempted murder and contravening the Health Professions Act. The child has since been moved from the ICU to a general ward and is in stable condition. No arrests have been made, and investigations continue.

The Leviticus Voice of Prophet Church is a registered religious organisation that provides on-site care for patients. The church reportedly administers various concoctions containing vinegar, salt, herbs and water, which patients are required to bathe in, drink, or receive through other means.

Sakuwa-Neo warned churches to refrain from administering concoctions and engaging in harmful practices in the name of God.

"The public is cautioned not to be misled but rather to educate themselves on good practices and church doctrines," she said.