Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter
PROMINENT Nyanga polygamist, Daniel Masamvu, has been thrust into the spotlight after being accused of unleashing decades of misfortune upon his family by failing to appease an avenging spirit linked to a man’s death more than 30 years ago.
Masamvu, reputed to have nine wives and 67 children, recently appeared before Chief Mutasa’s community court where his own brothers alleged that his refusal to perform traditional cleansing rites has cursed the Masamvu clan.
They claim the spirit has eroded the family’s wealth, triggered a series of unexplained deaths, and left them grappling with financial decline.
The case was brought forward by family representative, Liziria Masamvu, who recounted the origins of the dispute.
According to him, the troubles stem from a 1992 incident in which Daniel and a friend allegedly assaulted a man found sleeping on a road. The victim later succumbed to injuries from the attack, and his spirit is now believed to be exacting vengeance on the family.
Iziria told the court that repeated attempts to persuade Daniel to undertake traditional appeasement rituals had failed, leaving the clan vulnerable to continued misfortune
“Our brother admitted before family members that an incident occurred in 1992 involving a man who later died. He explained that they found a person lying on the road and confronted him. What was meant to be a reprimand allegedly turned tragic when the man lost his life,” said Iziria, adding that years later, members of the friend’s family began experiencing unexplained deaths and misfortunes.
They undertook appeasement rituals after consultations revealed the presence of an avenging spirit.
“The friend’s family eventually performed appeasement rites after consultations revealed an avenging spirit. Since then, our own family has continued to experience problems, which many believe are linked to the same unresolved matter,” he said.
The family has consulted several traditional healers, but Iziria said progress was stalled due to disagreements.
An initial healer known to the family was allegedly rejected by Daniel, while the second healer in Gairezi identified spiritual issues affecting him and the clan.
The family also travelled to Guruve to address matters involving Daniel’s late wife’s spirit.
“When it comes to resolving the issue surrounding the deceased man, however, he has become reluctant to proceed,” said Iziria, further stressing that the family’s motive was not punishment, but closure.
“Many people know the Masamvu family because of Daniel. As relatives, we feel this issue has damaged the family’s reputation and standing. We want him to take responsibility and help bring an end to what has become a burden for everyone,” he said.
Relatives further argued that Daniel should not be the heir to the family leadership, claiming the unresolved allegations had compromised his suitability for the role.
Daniel rejected the accusations, and questioned why the matter was before Chief Mutasa’s court, arguing that a similar case was already being handled under Chief Saunyama’s jurisdiction.
“This matter is already before Chief Saunyama’s court. I do not understand why there is a desire to have it heard elsewhere. My position is that it should remain where it was initially reported and be concluded there,” he said.
He denied killing either the deceased stranger or his late wife, insisting that some spiritual claims had been distorted.
“I have never admitted to deliberately killing anyone. Regarding my late wife, what emerged during consultations was that concerns had been raised about how she was cared for during her lifetime.
“That is completely different from the accusations now being made,” he said.
Family patriarch, J.T Masamvu supported the other relatives, saying the clan had suffered for years because of the unresolved issue.
“For many years we knew nothing about this matter. We were once known as successful businesspeople, but our family fortunes gradually declined. We experienced deaths, hardships and setbacks that many believe were connected to this unresolved issue,” he said
He claimed details of the 1992 incident only emerged after Daniel’s friend’s family reportedly undertook appeasement ceremonies.
When confronted, Daniel allegedly acknowledged that an incident had occurred.
“We then agreed that until the matter was resolved, he could not continue serving as the family’s heir,” he said.
He alleged that relatives had repeatedly urged Daniel to cooperate with efforts to resolve the matter, but little progress had been made.
The hearing shifted when Chief Mutasa contacted Chief Saunyama to clarify jurisdiction.
After consultations, Chief Saunyama reportedly granted permission for the matter to proceed before Chief Mutasa.
Daniel maintained that the family was unfairly singling him out.
“If we are going to revisit past incidents, then everyone in the family who may have been involved in similar matters should also be examined,” he argued.
Relatives insisted the focus should remain on the case before the court.
Chief Mutasa urged the family to seek guidance and reconciliation through appropriate traditional and spiritual channels.
He advised them to consult additional healers and elders if necessary, and encouraged dialogue to avoid deepening divisions.
The matter was adjourned to a later date.
