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Elderly Healer Jailed for Sexual Assault Under Guise of 'Black Magic Rituals'

 



A 71-year-old man, Mohamed Salleh Samad, was sentenced to six years and eight months in jail for sexually assaulting a woman under the pretext of curing her of "black magic." Salleh admitted to one charge of sexual assault, with another similar charge considered in sentencing.

The 46-year-old victim believed she was afflicted with "black magic" after suffering from bloating and stomach pain, which she thought was caused by her ex-husband. Acting on advice from an acquaintance, she sought Salleh's help, who claimed to possess healing abilities.

The Fake Rituals

The first "ritual" on August 25, 2023, involved the victim showering in a mix of salt and vinegar. When her pain persisted, she invited Salleh for a second session on August 28, 2023.

Salleh arrived at her home with the victim's acquaintance. To isolate the victim, Salleh sent the acquaintance to a shop and convinced her husband and children to leave, claiming their presence might disrupt the ritual.

Once alone with the victim, Salleh performed deceptive acts, such as pulling nails from his mouth and claiming they had been extracted from her body. Around 4:45 PM, the victim began to feel faint and semi-conscious. Salleh took advantage of her condition to sexually assault her in the living room.

When the acquaintance returned, Salleh lied, saying there was an object inside the victim that needed removal. Believing this was part of the "ritual," the victim agreed and followed Salleh to her bedroom, where he assaulted her again. Salleh pretended to remove threads and cotton from her body.

At 6:30 PM, Salleh declared the ritual complete, and the victim called her family to return home.

The Aftermath

The victim later confided in a friend and realized Salleh's actions were criminal. She reported the incident to the police. Salleh admitted during investigations that the rituals were a ruse and that he purchased nails and threads to deceive the victim.

Court Proceedings

The prosecution sought a sentence of six years and eight months to seven years and two months, including two months in lieu of caning, as Salleh was above 50 and exempt from corporal punishment. They argued that Salleh's actions were premeditated, with an elaborate scheme to isolate and exploit the victim.

Defence lawyers highlighted Salleh's early guilty plea, remorse, cooperation with authorities, and challenging personal background. They described him as a "simple man" who left school after Primary 5 or 6 due to financial difficulties. They also pointed out his advanced age, frailty, and heart disease as mitigating factors.

Sentencing

The court sentenced Salleh to six years and eight months in jail, acknowledging both the severity of his actions and his cooperation during the legal process.

Legal Implications

Sexual assault by penetration carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years, along with a fine or caning. In Salleh’s case, his age exempted him from caning, resulting in an alternative custodial punishment.

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Location: Singapore

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