adminMidlands Reporter
A ZVISHAVANE man died tragically while his three brothers are battling for their lives in hospital after taking a concoction mixed with porridge given to them by traditional healers commonly known as tsikamutandas.
The whereabouts of the fifth brother, Godfrey Mugaviri, 72, are yet to be established after he disappeared from the tsikamutandas’ base after also taking the concoction.
It is said the five brothers from Chikuni Village were given the concoction on Monday during a ritual ceremony meant to help them recover their lost herd of 10 cattle.
Police are treating the matter as murder and have since arrested two traditional healers suspected to have administered the toxic potion.
Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Joel Goko, said the deceased, Konias Mugaviri, died yesterday in Nyama Village under Chief Mapanzure in Zvishavane.
He said: “Circumstances are that the now deceased man, Konias Mugaviri, 29, his brothers, Dennis Mugaviri, 78, Johapi Mugaviri, 81, Godfrey Mugaviri, 72, and Peter Mugaviri, 49 all from Chikuni Village in Zvishavane, proceeded to Nyama Village to consult a traditional healer who operated as tsikamutanda. They visited the self-proclaimed healer after the family had lost 10 cattle.”
Insp Goko said upon arrival, the Mugaviris met the two traditional healers who gave them a concoction mixed with porridge.
It is alleged that after eating the mixture, Dennis felt weak and suddenly fell unconscious for three consecutive days.
“The other three brothers were also said to be feeling weak but were alert. On Wednesday, at about 6AM, Godfrey went missing from the tsikamutanda base. His whereabouts are still unknown.
“The matter has been reported to the police today (yesterday) and the police immediately attended the scene. The victims were referred to Zvishavane District Hospital where they are admitted. Konias was pronounced dead upon arrival,” said Insp Goko.
His body is at the mortuary of the same hospital awaiting a post mortem.
“The two tsikamutandas are assisting police with investigations,” said Insp Goko.
Online Reporter