Moffat Mungazi
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter
A MUTASA family is divided over the handling of the alleged avenging spirit of the late catholic priest — Father Matara — amid claims that their father figure who initially confessed to the alleged murder, has now approached the courts for a protection order to stall the appeasement process.
Tempers fled outside Chief Mutasa’s community court last Saturday, with the Banhu family members trading accusations.
According to Sylvester Munyaradzi Banhu, a representative of the family, who also addressed Chief Mutasa’s community court, the family is stuck and unable to proceed with the appeasement to the late priest’s avenging spirit due to the protection order sought by the suspected killer—Cosmas Banhu.
The family had already mobilised the demanded 15 herd of cattle after Cosmas had confessed before the traditional court in December last year.
However, things took a dramatic twist after Cosmas shifted goalposts after the court session, and sought a protection order at Mutasa Civil Court.
“We have 10 families in the Banhu clan. Each family contributed, and we now have the 15 cattle as demanded by the spirit. We are ready to take them to the Matara family in Marange, but Cosmas, who is the village head, and the same person, who confessed to the murder, approached Mutasa Civil Court, applying for a protection order, accusing us of harassing him, and forcibly taking his cattle for the appeasement ceremony,” he said.
Cosmas’ application shocked the rest of the family, who now argued that it is a delaying tactic and cautious way to avoid fulfilling the traditional rites meant to ensure prevalence of peace in the dynasty.
“This was a counter move by Cosmas. He knows the case is before this court, but proceeded to approach the civil court to block the appeasement process,” said Sylvester, adding that the civil court ordered clan members not to harass, assault, or force Cosmas to take part in any traditional ceremonies against his will.
They were also barred from taking him to any traditional healer or confiscate his property and use it to appease the alleged avenging spirit.
Sylvester said though the magistrate knew that the matter was pending before the traditional court, ruled that it should be finalised there before any court applications can be entertained.
However, they were shocked when Cosmas presented them with a protection order upon consulting him on the next steps to take regarding the appeasement process.
“Now we are being told that we cannot proceed with the appeasement as we are not allowed to approach Cosmas or mention the issue of the cattle to him,” he said.
In defence, Cosmas insisted that he did not kill the late Father Matara, arguing that his confession in December last year was made under duress.
He argued that some of his relatives forced him into admitting to the murder, though he did not commit it.
“I only confessed because they had cornered me. They were assaulting me. They clapped me twice, and I had no option, but to give in, and say what they wanted to hear,” he told Chief Mutasa’a community court.
He also maintained that he was in Bulawayo when the alleged murder took place. Cosmas said he only came back home for a short holiday, during which period Father Matara was killed.
Cosmas said he was questioned by the police, back then, together with his brother, and the two were released and cleared of any involvement in the murder.
“My conscience is clear. My hands are clean. I did not kill anyone. If I had killed him, his avenging spirit would be haunting me directly, not my relatives,” argued Cosmas.
Sylvester told Chief Mutasa’s community court that the obtaining antagonism has now put the family in a difficult position – as on one hand some are eager to complete the appeasement process and to ensure peace in the family, while on the other the protection order prevents them from executing the process.
Chief Mutasa said he will consult with the magistrate to find a way forward.
“We cannot allow the avenging spirit to continue haunting the family. I will talk to the magistrate and try to have the order lifted or cancelled so that this matter can be dealt with properly and finalised because we want the family to be at peace once again and not be tormented like what is happening,” he said.
This is not the first time that the Banhu family has clashed over the matter.
Last year, Tongai Banhu brought the case before the Mutasa community court, citing some strange occurrences at his homestead, including his children waking up outside and mysterious sightings, as signs of the late Father Matara’s avenging spirit.
Father Matara, who served at St Barbara’s Mission in Mutasa, was murdered in the 70s.
His death was never fully explained, and has remained a dark memory in the community.
The resurfacing of his avenging spirit, reportedly demanding justice and appeasement, has caused panic and debate in the area, especially because of his role as a Catholic priest, traditionally seen as a holy figure.
Tongai and others claimed they consulted spiritual healers, including Madzibaba Gutu, who confirmed that Cosmas was responsible for the priest’s death.
According to the family, the priest’s spirit requested that 15 beasts be paid as appeasement.
After a long struggle, the family came together and raised the beasts, but now say Cosmas is standing in their way.
“We have the beasts. We just want to take them to the Matara family and put this matter behind us. But how can we do that if the person who must lead the way and process has tied our hands through the protection order?” said Sylvester.
The family also blames Cosmas for signing a document during their earlier visit to the Matara family in Bocha, in which he reportedly admitted to the murder.
At the time, Chief Marange warned them not to sign the document without fully understanding the contents, but Cosmas allegedly went ahead and appended his signature.
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