Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter
A MUTASA family is embroiled in a spiritual dispute following claims that their late grandmother, a traditional healer, is manifesting through her granddaughter and demanding the return of her burnt healing tools.
The matter, which has ignited tensions between cultural traditions and Christian beliefs within the family, was brought before Chief Mutasa’s community court last Saturday after internal attempts at resolution failed.
Peter Tupiri told the court that his wife’s late mother, who practiced traditional healing, is allegedly manifesting through his daughter and issuing specific demands.
“At first, we thought it was just illness or stress, but the things she says and does clearly point to the late grandmother. She is demanding her paraphernalia, which was burnt after her death. She describes the items in detail and repeats the same message every time she manifests,” said Tupiri.
He further claimed that the spirit insists the granddaughter should inherit the calling.
“She says the child was chosen and cannot escape this path. Without the tools, there will be no peace in the family,” Tupiri added.
The situation has divided the family.
Some members advocate for appeasement rituals to honour cultural traditions, while others, citing their Christian faith, refuse to participate.
Patrick Sahumani, one of the sons accused of burning the paraphernalia, denied involvement, but acknowledged his mother’s background.
“Indeed, my mother was a traditional healer, but I am not the one who burnt the tools. I believed they were stored somewhere. This is all news to me,” he said.
Patrick also revealed the toll the manifestations have taken on the granddaughter’s life.
“She has since been divorced by her husband because of this issue. The manifestations are affecting her seriously, and as a family we must find a solution,” he told the court.
Patrick told the court that his younger brother was refusing to join the family in consulting traditional healers.
“My younger brother insists he cannot be involved because he is a Christian, and his faith does not permit him to take part in such matters. This is making it difficult for us to move forward as a united family,” said Patrick.
However, his account was swiftly challenged by the younger brother, Evernice Sahumani, who presented a conflicting version of events.
“She had a basket she used for healing, and it was burnt. Patrick was there, along with other elders, when the decision was made. They all agreed the items should be destroyed, so I don’t understand why he is denying it now,” argued Evernice.
He accused Patrick of misleading the court.
“Those items were not ordinary —they were part of her work and calling. Destroying them without proper procedures is what has brought all these problems. That is why I refuse to consult healers with them. They must take responsibility instead of pretending they were not involved.”
Despite the accusations, Patrick stood firm.
“I was not there when the basket was burnt. It was done without my knowledge, and I cannot be blamed for something I did not take part in,” he insisted.
Chief Mutasa intervened, urging both sides to exercise patience and avoid unilateral decisions.
“This is a sensitive matter involving family and cultural issues. You cannot resolve it without all relevant members present. Every side must be heard before any decision is made,” he said.
The chief emphasised the importance of involving the deceased’s immediate family, particularly those linked to the alleged burning of the tools.
“We need to establish the truth and find a way forward that brings peace to the family and protects the welfare of the child at the centre of this matter,” he added.
