Moffat Mungazi
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter
A MUTARE woman — Viola Marimbire — is at the centre of a storm after allegedly subjecting her domestic worker, Linda Tambara, to forced ritualistic incisions (nyora) and spiritual cleansing ceremonies.
Marimbire also allegedly coerced Tambara into marrying her son, Wellington Manyarara, claiming that their ancestors had ordained the union.
However, the marriage did not proceed after Tambara sought help from her father.
The allegations surfaced recently at Chief Mutasa’s community court, where Tambara testified against her former employer, accusing her of spiritual abuse and forced rituals.
In her testimony, Tambara recounted how an ordinary day at work descended into a nightmare when Marimbire summoned two traditional healers from Mozambique, purportedly to assist her son.
“It was only three weeks into my employment with Marimbire when she invited traditional healers to perform rituals at her homestead. They summoned me into the house, and I was introduced to the healers, who were from Mozambique. My employer instructed me to accompany them into a room, where they intended to make incisions on my body. I refused, but they overpowered me and forced me down,” she recounted.
Despite her pleas, the men restrained her and proceeded to administer the ritualistic incisions, known locally as nyora, on her forehead, chin, and back using a razor blade.
“They applied an oily substance to the cuts, and ordered me to discard the razor blade. I was terrified and disoriented. They gave me snuff to inhale and some finger millet to use for bathing. I had no idea what was happening.
“After the ritual, they claimed that a spirit had possessed one of their relatives, declaring that I was to marry their son. The experience was so distressing that I called my father to collect me the following day, which he did,” said Tambara.
Marimbire denied the allegations, insisting that the rituals were intended to benefit her son, not the maid.
Marimbire told the court that her son, Wellington, had suffered burns during a domestic dispute with his girlfriend, prompting her friends from Mozambique — whom she described as “white garment prophets” — to visit and provide spiritual cleansing.
“When the prophets arrived, they focused on helping my son. During the prayer session, someone began manifesting, and requested Tambara’s presence in the house. She was outside at the time, but returned voluntarily. No one coerced her. The rituals took place while I was present, but I did not participate.
When they handed her the razor blade, she discarded it herself,” she said.
However, Tambara maintained her account, arguing that she was held against her will, and subjected to a clear violation of her bodily autonomy and spiritual well-being.
“The following day, they claimed that their grandmother’s spirit had chosen me to be their son’s wife,” revealed Tambara. Wellington corroborated Tambara’s testimony, revealing that he too had undergone the same rituals, and was unclear about the reasoning behind them.
“They told me that I had evil spirits on me. I was confused about why they were cutting me. I recall asking why they were using a razor blade, but they insisted it was part of the healing process. My mother is fully aware of what transpired,” he said.
Chief Mutasa expressed strong disapproval of Marimbire’s actions, and sternly cautioned her against involving unrelated individuals, particularly minors or employees, in family rituals.
“You had no authority to subject this young woman to your rituals. Why did you involve her in your family’s spiritual affairs when she is not a relative? She is not your daughter. You have overstepped your bounds,” he said.
Chief Mutasa instructed Tambara’s father to consult traditional healers urgently to determine the purpose and potential consequences of the incisions.
“Go and ascertain the significance of these marks. Take her to trusted healers and obtain answers. This young woman clearly requires assistance, and it must be provided promptly. It is possible that she is no longer under your spiritual guidance, and that is something you must address immediately,” he said.
Before adjourning the case to a later date, Chief Mutasa ordered Marimbire to provide transportation costs for the Tambara family to return for the next hearing.
He also instructed her to bring the two Mozambican healers to court to explain their actions.
“This matter is grave. If you are going to bring individuals into this country to perform spiritual rituals, they must also account for their actions in court,” said Chief Mutasa.
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