Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku Sunday News Reporter
A BULAWAYO traditional healer has appeared in court facing murder charges after he allegedly administered some herbal concoction to a client seeking spiritual cleansing resulting in his death.
Livingstone Sibanda of Cowdray Park appeared before Bulawayo provincial magistrate Mr Challenge Mahembe facing a charge of murder. He was not asked to plead as the matter is awaiting transfer to the High Court, which has jurisdiction over murder cases.
Sibanda, through his lawyer Mr Simbarashe Innocent Madzivire of Mashayamombe Law Firm, successfully applied for bail at the High Court and was released on US$150 bail.
He was remanded to July 15 for routine remand.
As part of his bail conditions, Sibanda was ordered to reside at his given address, report every Monday at Cowdray Park Police Station and not interfere with State witnesses until the matter is finalised.
Prosecuting, Ms Josephine Gurazhira told the court that on June 21, the deceased, accompanied by his sister, visited Sibanda’s home seeking assistance to allegedly cast out evil spirits from his house.
The court heard that Sibanda allegedly gave the deceased some herbal substance resembling a potato to eat as part of the ritual.
“The deceased consumed the herb and immediately started vomiting continuously. The accused attempted to administer first aid, but his efforts failed to stop the vomiting,” said Ms Gurazhira.
Realising the man’s condition was deteriorating, Sibanda then called an ambulance. Paramedics who attended the scene examined the patient and pronounced him dead.
The body was taken for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.
