Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Weekender Reporter
A 19-YEAR-OLD self-styled traditional healer was arrested after he was allegedly found roaming Chikanga suburb in Mutare with two live snakes, which he allegedly uses in rituals to help clients, particularly miners, acquire wealth.
Gift Kanodaweta, also known as James Malunga, was arrested at the weekend by a member of the Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association for practicing without registration.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, said Kanodaweta, who trades as Sekuru Kamutungunde had obtained two eggs in Mozambique that later hatched into snakes.
The puff adder and cobra have since been handed over to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
Kanodaweta faces allegations of contravening Section 59(1)(b) of the Parks and Wildlife Act (Chapter 20:14).
“On June 26, around 10am in Chikanga, Mutare, Gift Kanodaweta or James Malunga, 19, of Kadzinga Village, Chief Nyajina, Murehwa, who practices as a traditional healer under the name Sekuru Kamutungunde, was found in possession of a puff adder and a cobra without a Parks and Wildlife permit, in contravention of Section 59(1)(b) of the Parks and Wildlife Act, (Chapter 20:14).
“An informant, Paradzayi Clever Maendayi brought the accused person to ZRP Chikanga Police Station, and filed a report stating that the accused, who claims to be a traditional healer, but is not registered with the Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association, was carrying two snakes in his satchel on the pretext that he used them during rituals.
“The accused person was interviewed and stated that he is a traditional healer who hails from Malawi, but was born and raised in Murehwa, and began practicing at a very tender age. He said he went to Mozambique for fortification in 2024, and was given two eggs by a traditional healer, which later hatched into two snakes. Kanodaweta further stated that he specialises in conducting rituals for those in the mining industry to generate money from their claims.
“The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority was contacted, and its team identified the snakes as a puff adder and a cobra. The accused was handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department’s Mineral Flora and Fauna Unit for further management, and the snakes were handed over to ZimParks. Investigations are in progress,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
