Shocking Case: Elderly Man Sentenced for Posing as Healer and Assaulting Woman in Disturbing Ritual
2025-01-23
Author: Siti
Shocking Case Summary
In a startling case that raises serious concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, an elderly man in Singapore has been sentenced to six years and eight months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman while pretending to be a healer. This egregious crime occurred during a ritual purportedly aimed at treating her for a supposed "black magic" affliction.
The Attack
Mohamed Salleh Samad, 71, pleaded guilty to sexually penetrating the 46-year-old victim without her consent. Under Singaporean law, he could have faced up to 20 years in prison for such an offense, but he cannot be caned due to his age.
Victim's Vulnerability
The ordeal began when the victim, suffering from a bloated stomach and back pain, sought help after attributing her condition to "black magic" allegedly cast by her former husband. In her distress, she turned to Salleh, who presented himself as a healer capable of curing her ailments.
The Ritual
Salleh visited her home on August 25, 2023, to conduct a so-called ritual involving a bath with salt and vinegar. Despite this, her pain persisted, prompting her to request his services again just three days later. During this second visit on August 28, things took a horrifying turn. After suggesting she lie down, Salleh manipulated her under the guise of further treatment, leading to the sexual assault. He falsely claimed to have extracted "objects" from her body, deepening her misguided belief in his supposed healing abilities.
Prosecution's Case
The prosecution highlighted the disturbing manipulation involved, noting that Salleh exploited the victim's vulnerabilities and the misconceptions stemming from her beliefs in black magic, making her feel that submission to his advances was necessary for her healing. Following the assaults, the woman bravely confided in a friend and reported the incident to the authorities.
Arrest and Confession
Police apprehended Salleh on September 26, 2023. During interrogation, he admitted that the treatments and rituals he performed were mere deceptions designed to exploit the victim. The prosecution presented a compelling case, emphasizing the premeditated nature of his actions.
Court Ruling
While defense lawyers portrayed Salleh as frail and remorseful, arguing for a lighter sentence based on his age and health concerns, the court determined that the gravity of his crimes warranted a substantial penalty. This case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by individuals seeking help and the chilling potential for abuse when faith and trust are manipulated.
Community Implications
As the community grapples with the implications of this case, it underscores the critical need for increased awareness and protective measures to safeguard vulnerable individuals from such predatory behavior. Will this disturbing incident motivate stronger regulations concerning alternative healing practices? Time will tell.