Sundaymail Editor
FOR the past few months, snakes and lizards have been mysteriously appearing in a Nyanga family’s pots whenever they prepare their meals.
Some of the reptiles are reportedly finding sanctuary in a baby’s napkins.
All this is happening in Nyamahumba village, Nyanga.
The regularity of the eerie happenings prompted the family to report the matter to Acting Chief Saunyama’s court.
Matthew Nyamahumba, one of the family members, says the reptiles seem to be multiplying by the day.
The family is miffed and spooked.
It is believed that money-spinning charms are behind the family’s misfortunes.
The family’s patriarch, Sekuru Johannes Nyamahumba, is accused of acquiring the charms.
He, however, denies the allegations.
During their initial court appearance in February, the Nyamahumbas were ordered to consult four different spiritual healers in Makoni, Zimunya, Marange and Mutasa to unravel the mystery.
Matthew said his brother, Sekuru Johannes Nyamahumba, is letting the family down.
“All the traditional healers we have consulted have told us in Mukoma Johannes’ presence that he is the culprit. He is supposed to pay what he owes the person who sold him the charms.
“He even confessed and promised to pay the spiritual healer with some of his cattle. However, when we went back home, he moved his cattle to an unknown place behind our backs,” said Matthew.
“That is when the situation worsened. The reptiles started multiplying. Our homestead is now infested with the reptiles and they can be seen everywhere, even in pots on the stove, as we prepare food.
“They also appear in our bedrooms and in my baby’s napkins. This is terrifying. We often throw away the food that we will be preparing.”
The same mysterious occurrences, he said, are also taking place at the home of his other sibling, Lovemore Nyamahumba.
“We are being forced to share our homes with these lizards and snakes because we have nowhere else to go. We are suffering because of our brother Johannes’ greed.
“He acquired lucky charms and failed to pay the supplier. I have lost my child because of this. My brother, Lovemore, also lost a child recently, but Johannes keeps dilly-dallying on paying the spiritual healer. We fear that the whole family will be wiped out.”
Acting Chief Saunyama said although Sekuru Nyamahumba confessed to causing mishaps in his family, he is yet to pay the fine imposed by the court for defiling the area. The acting chief further said he has also not yet paid the spiritual healer.
“He moved his cattle to an unknown place, a sign that he does not want to pay. We will wait until he makes up his mind and settles the debt so that his family can be freed from this curse,” said Acting Chief Saunyama.
However, when Sekuru Nyamahumba earlier appeared before the court, he denied dabbling in charms.
“Matthew’s son was electrocuted after climbing an electricity pole. How can this be wizardry? There was no electricity when he climbed the pole but supply was restored before he had climbed down. They now accuse me of causing his death,” argued Sekuru Nyamahumba back then.
“I am innocent and want my good reputation to be restored. I am prepared to appear before any traditional healer or spiritualist to clear my name, which is being dragged in the mud,” he said.
He also denied ever seeing the reptiles that his brothers talk of. — Manica Post
Online Reporter