Family clashes with grandson over traditional rites

B-Metro Reporter

A FAMILY from Mzinyathini village in Esigodini, Matabeleland South is up in arms with their grandson who has resisted moves to conduct traditional rites at a family homestead, which he inherited from his father.

Dumisani Moyo reportedly comes from a lineage of traditional healers, with his great grandfather, grandfather and father all having taken over the family ‘business’ of being traditional healers.

After his father’s death two years back, Dumisani had to take over the role of being the village traditional healer as the first born.

However, according to sources Dumisani who is now a converted Christian, and an active member of the United Methodist church of Zimbabwe has resisted the move which has led him to be the subject of numerous attacks from family members who claim that his decision has cast a bad spell on the family.

“The issue is Dumisani has made clear his believes and vowed not to take up the role of being a traditional healer in the family despite him being groomed and identified heir by his late father. Now the family says they are experiencing a number of bad omens which they attribute to Dumisani’s decision.

“Over the past two years there have a number of sudden deaths within the family while some of the family members were either fired from work or had their contracts not renewed, of which they claim all this is a message from their ancestors regarding Dumisani taking over the role and also leading certain traditional rites within the family,” said an uncle to Dumisani, who identified himself as Khulisani Moyo.

Owing to his resistance, Dumisani has reportedly been attacked with his homestead being subject to an arson attack all in a bid to arm twist him to change his decision.

In an interview Dumisani however said he was undeterred.

“I have been attacked, my family has been attacked, my homestead has been burnt down, as is I have taken my family into hiding but I will never be forced to change my beliefs, I am now a born again Christian and that should be respected,” he said.