TRADITIONAL HEALER KIDNAPPED OVER FAKE CLEANSING

Arron Nyamayaro

A SELF-STYLED traditional healer, and her two friends, were on Thursday kidnapped by seven people after a fake cleansing row.

Gogo Gamuchirai Gwenhamo, 34, of Epworth, her ex-lover Isaac Chihoro, 38, of Sunningdale 2 and her friend Abel Bango, 50, of Riddle Ridge Park, were abducted after being accused of giving a fake cleansing ceremony to Abba Chidagomo, 39, of Retreat, Waterfalls.

Isaac and Abel were reported to have narrated Abba’s life to Gogo Gamuchirai so as to fake the cleansing.

Abba teamed up with  Admos Mpofu, 33, Collen Gumbato, 39, Naison Nyamashuka, 39, Tendai Hamadziripi, 34, Bright Svakaya, 47, and Fungai Ndoora, 44, to kidnap the three.

They were arrested at Mabvuku turn-off.

Acting Harare provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Faith Mapisa, confirmed the arrest saying the seven were demanding US$1500.

“Police arrested seven suspects in connection with kidnapping three people that included a traditional healer,” said Ass-Insp Mapisa.

“Circumstances are that on January 18, at around 1000hours, the accused persons approached the traditional healer accusing her of giving one of the accused a fake cleansing ceremony. 

“The accused persons went on to assault and interrogate the healer who confessed that her ex-boyfriend and his friend were behind the deal because they supplied classified information concerning the client’s misfortunes. 

“The accused persons ordered the healer to invite the second and third complainants to come and collect their share from the US$1500 she had charged.

“Upon arrival at the healer’s place, the duo fell into the accused person’s trap and they were kidnapped, bundled into a white Subaru registration (AFY 5516) and taken to a bushy area in Sunway city where they were assaulted all over their bodies using electrical cables, baton sticks and clenched fists. 

“The complainants then convinced the accused persons to drive them to Mabvuku turn-off where they intended to meet a relative who would assist them with the required amount leading to their arrest.”