Online Reporter
Two years after his brutal murder, a man named Luckmore Dziire reportedly manifested through a woman during a traditional court sitting and identified his killers, resulting in the arrest of seven people.
The deceased, hailing from Domborutinhira in Mutasa, Manicaland province, was found dead in October 2024, with his heart, private parts, fingers and toenails missing, in what appeared to be a ritual killing.
Villagers were stunned during a recent traditional court hearing presided over by Chief Mutasa when a local woman became possessed by Luckmore’s spirit.
Speaking as the deceased, she named fellow villagers Margaret Marume, Jeremiah Mupunga, Kenny Chirumhanzu, Nyasha Mudeme, Tendai Alfonso, Joseph Alfonso, Christopher and Mangandaire as the perpetrators.
Notably, Tendai Alfonso is already serving a prison sentence after being convicted of the murder by the High Court.
During the manifestation, the woman detailed the sequence of events leading to Luckmore’s death.
She claimed he went to a local shop where he drank traditional beer and enjoyed some meat.
He later on drank a laced drink and fell asleep on a bench outside before he was ambushed.
“During the night, many people surrounded me. Tendai Alfonso stabbed me with a knife in the neck and chest, while others joined in . . . cutting up my body,” said the woman, adding that his body parts and blood were harvested for traditional medicine before his remains were left near the shop.
Luckmore’s brother, Dzidzai Dziire, brought the matter to Chief Mutasa because the family still sought answers despite Alfonso’s conviction.
He revealed that spiritual manifestations began in February following the death of his child, Tavonga.
During his trial, Alfonso had testified that he did not act alone.
“Alfonso told the court during his trial that he did not commit the act alone. We want to know the full truth about what happened to our relative and whether there are other people who were involved,” said Jenny Dziire, a relative.
She added: “We believe there may have been interference by other people and we want all these allegations to be thoroughly investigated.”
However, those who were allegedly outed by the spirit of the dead man professed their innocence.
Margaret Marume acknowledged seeing Luckmore that day.
“We had brewed traditional beer for customers at the shop where I work. Luckmore came and asked Joseph for food, as he was eating at the time. He was given food, ate it and left,” said Margaret.
She maintained she only learnt of his death later via a phone call, while another suspect, Shupikai, denied supplying the alcohol.
Following the hearing, Chief Mutasa referred the case to the police, and officers who were in attendance took the named suspects into custody for questioning. — Manicaland Bureau
