World

Indonesian woman 'held captive in cave for 15 years'

August 8, 2018 4:07 pm

Police in Sulawesi, Indonesia say they have freed a 28-year-old woman who was held captive in a cave for 15 years by a village shaman.

The 83-year-old man is alleged to have kidnapped the woman when she was 13, and brainwashed her into believing he was possessed by a spirit or “jin”.

He allegedly took her back to his home at night where he sexually abused her for more than a decade.

Article continues after advertisement

The man has been charged under sex abuse and child protection laws.

According to local media, the man – named as Jago – was known as an alternative healer and for performing black magic.

Police say that in 2003, the 13-year-old girl was brought to him for treatment by her own family and stayed behind with him.