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TRADITIONAL leaders have no moral, legal or customary right to force or coerce their subjects to be ‘cleansed’ by witch hunters popularly known as tsikamutandas.
Makoni District Administrator, Mr William Mashava, said this after reports emerged that some traditional leaders were forcing their subjects to be cleansed by tsikamutandas who have invaded the district since last year.
He added that villagers must report to the police or his office all traditional leaders who are doing that as they were committing a criminal offence.
A group of tsikamutandas who are between the ages of 20 and 30 is roaming around the district extorting livestock in the name of cleansing. The tsikamutandas have been identified as Booster, Tsikamutanda, Gaurani, Dzukudzvene, Sinyoro and Gondo among other names.
Besides ripping off communities of their livestock in the form of cattle, goats, sheep and chicken, the bogus healers have left communities heavily divided as they are accusing some members of bewitching others.
“We have received numerous reports that some traditional leaders Including chiefs and headman are force-marching their subjects to be ‘cleansed and healed’ by tsikamutandas against their will. It is wrong and criminal for them to do so because a person must freely consult traditional healers or visit the hospital. No-one must be forced.
“What is worrying is that after being forced to under a cleansing ceremony you are made to part with your livestock. We are also informed that some traditional leaders are unduly benefiting from the proceeds of this witch-hunting.
“This prompted us in conjunction with the police to summon all the five chiefs and their headmen for a meeting early this month where we all agreed that no-one should force villagers to be cleansed by tsikamutandas. Traditional leaders also presented the situation on ground and all is not well as these conmen masquerading as healers are duping people. A lot of livestock have been lost.
“From onwards we agreed that any traditional leaders who force tsikamutandas on his subjects will be dealt with accordingly,” said Mr Mashava.
Rusape District police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Muzondiwa Clean, said police were moving around the district educating people against the dangers of tsikamutandas.
“We are carrying out awareness campaigns in villages urging people not to be duped by these tsikamutandas. The response has been positive as cases are decreasing. People must be on the lookout on these fraudsters who uses various tricks to dupe them,” said Asst Insp Clean.
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