Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba
A self-proclaimed prophetess and eight of her followers from an apostolic sect in Kwekwe have been arrested in connection with the death of a 54-year-old woman during an alleged exorcism ritual at a shrine.
Midlands Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident.
He said police had arrested the prophetess, Charity Mafirowanda (46), along with eight congregants: Talent Khumalo (42), Bongani Paraffin (33), Admire Makota (23), Ronald Mandiedza (24), Margret Zireba (21), Lyton Ndlovu (19), Arnold Mashiri (23), and Pauline Banda (33). They are facing murder charges.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of nine suspects in connection with the death of a 54-year-old woman who was made to drink a concoction at a shrine on 18 June,” he said.
Insp Mahoko said allegations indicated that the deceased, Micky Chuma of Mbizo, Kwekwe, had visited the shrine for prayers on 18 June at around 7 PM.
“She was allegedly given a concoction made of opaque beer mixed with snuff to drink, purportedly to exorcise evil spirits. After drinking it, she went into a trance, and the congregants poured water on her body until she became numb. They then took her to a fireplace to warm her up before she unfortunately passed away,” he said.
Insp Mahoko said it was suspected that, in an attempt to conceal the truth, the group took the body to the deceased’s home, laid it on the bed, and covered it with blankets.
“The body was discovered by Tafadzwa Chemedza Matikiti (42), who was doing house chores and reported the matter to the police,” he said.
Bongani Moyo