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Liberty Dube Post Correspondent—
A DUBIOUS traditional healer, popularly known as tsikamutanda, who was wreaking havoc in Marange area was last week arrested for allegedly extorting livestock from a local family they were accusing of possessing goblins.The feared witch-hunter, Gama Gomba (35), who many knew him as Sekuru Gurajena, had been for the past one month engaging in a massive “cleansing” exercise in the area, collecting livestock and cash from poor villagers.
Police said Gomba was arrested after he allegedly extorted three beasts, six goats and $90 from a physically challenged couple – Gorden and Tracy Chivhunge.
“Yes, I can confirm that we arrested Gomba on allegations of extorting livestock and money all valued at $970 from a Marange family. He forcibly took away the property and cash after accusing the family of possessing goblins. We attended the scene and recovered everything. He is set to appear in court soon facing extortion charges as defined in Section 134 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act,” said Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa.
Gorden and Tracy Chivhunge who are paralysed and blind respectively, were summoned by Chikuku Village head, Moses Chikuku, on November 12 to attend a cleansing ceremony that was conducted by Gomba.
They failed to attend the ceremony because of their disabilities, but this infuriated the self-styled witch hunter. The couple’s daughter-in-law, Patricia Chitsiku, who attended the ceremony returned home and informed the couple that they should attend the cleansing ceremony at all costs.
Gomba held another ceremony on November 14 and again, village head Chikuku ordered the couple to attend without fail. The duo, with the assistance of their relatives went to the cleansing ceremony using an ox-drawn scotch cart.
Gomba made stunning allegations that the couple needed to be cleansed since they had some goblins at their homestead. The couple, however, denied owning them. The infuriated Gomba allegedly demanded $300 for undermining his powers.
“They did not pay anything. Gomba proceeded to the couple’s homestead and forcibly took away three beasts, six goats and $90 all valued at $970. The couple’s daughter, Getrude Chizengu (52) based in Harare made a police report. Police attended the scene and arrested Gomba,” said Insp Kakohwa.
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