adminMarvelous Moyo Gwanda Correspondent
A traditional healer from Beitbridge has landed himself in trouble with the law for allegedly killing a “demon possessed” Gwanda woman during a botched ritual to drive out the evil spirits. The bizarre incident happened on Sunday in Beitbridge.Matabeleland South provincial spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele said Cephas Ncube (50), the traditional healer has been arrested following the death of Tsebi Nyathi (30) of Manyani area under Chief Marupi in Gwanda District.
He said Nyathi tragically died when she visited her relatives in Beitbridge where she developed a mental problem suspected to have been caused by evil spirits.
“On an unknown date during August this year, Nyathi visited her relative Kayiso Tlou and stayed there. Sometime this month, Nyathi developed a mental problem.
“On 8 September, Nyathi’s relative, Ruth Moyo (54) and Lesedi Mdlongwa both of Tsokotsoko area under Chief Stauze in Beitbridge, took Nyathi to Ncube’s homestead since he is a traditional healer so that the evil spirits could be exorcised,” said Insp Ndebele.
While there, Ncube then prepared everything, which was needed in casting out the evil spirits to “free” Nyathi.
“The suspect made fire and threw some herbs and forced Nyathi to inhale the smoke while covered with a blanket. Nyathi resisted but Ncube, Moyo and Mdlongwa grabbed her and forced her to inhale the smoke.
“During the struggle, Nyathi sustained facial burns and died the following day,” said Insp Ndebele.
A report on the matter was made to the police. Insp Ndebele said police discovered that Nyathi had died as a result of serious facial burns sustained during the ritual.
He said investigations were carried out leading to the arrest of Ncube. Ncube will soon appear in court to answer to charges of murder.
Insp Ndebele said the incident was due to negligence and advised members of the public to desist from practices that put lives at risk.
Online Reporter