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Sukoluhle Ndlovu, Midlands Correspondent
A 23-YEAR-OLD traditional healer from Gweru who defrauded his clients after claiming to have powers to cure HIV and to make them rich has been dragged to court.
The man Lackshman Mantshontsho of Mkoba 5 in Gweru appeared before Gweru Magistrate Miss Beaulity Dube facing three counts of fraud, after he allegedly defrauded three of his clients. Tichaona Boora (21), Angelbert Nziradzapatsva (25) and the third accused (name withheld).
He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody to April 17 for continuation of trial. It is the State’s case that on January 19, the trio approached Mantshontsho for consultations in his office situated along Third Street as they wanted to be cleansed of evil spirits that they were told they possessed.
Upon arrival, Mantshontsho told the third complainant (name withheld), that he can cure HIV and instructed him to stop taking his medication before charging him US$1 500 and two beasts. On the same day, the accused sold a magic wallet to Nziradzapatsva which he claimed was capable of bringing money up to US$800 a day, at a cost of $300. The complainant paid $100 through EcoCash and paid the balance using cash.
Mantshontsho told Nziradzapatsva that he was supposed to go and catch a hippopotamus and draw three litres of blood. After hearing such a ridiculous task, Nziradzapatsva gave up and asked Mantshontsho to return his money. The accused told Nziradzapatsva to wait for him outside his office while he fled through the back door.
On the same day, Mantshontsho sold a magic ring to Boora at a cost of $200 claiming the ring could give Boora up to US$500 000 a day. Boora was given herbs and was ordered to put the ring and herbs in an envelope. The accused also demanded $200 for a traditional bag which he said he was going to buy the following week since it was only found in Bulawayo.
Boora made a follow-up on several occasions but he never got the bag. The matter was reported to the police leading to Mantshontsho’s arrest. Total money defrauded was US$1 500, $700 and two beasts valued at $2 500.
Online Reporter