Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
POLICE have identified the two women who drowned in a river at a Manjuzu traditional ceremony in Bindura.
Ellen Mlauzi, 49, and Ethel Nyabundu, 22, drowned at Nyaure River at Manhenga Village.
They went to the ceremony with their colleagues Pauline Kadzviti, 48, Tabeth Sagwidza, 39, Emma Sagwidza, 35.
A man, Jacob Peter, accompanied them.
Manjuzu is a mermaid spirit believed to endow its believers with wealth and a good life.
It has grown popular among young women in this country who are desperate for good fortunes in life.
Whether the direct benefits are real or imagined is open to debate but what is clear is many women now claim to be Manjuzu.
Manjuzu, are rooted in various spiritual traditions and folklores.
They are believed to be supernatural entities which are found in oceans, rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the tragic incident.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police would like to confirm the death of two women by drowning at Nyaure River, Manhenga village in Bindura,” said Comm Nyathi.
“The now deceased were reported to have been conducting some traditional rites in the company of two other women and one man.
“One of the now deceased was reported to have shown signs of being possessed with spirits, moved to deep water and drowned.
“The man followed, tried in vain to rescue her, called others and they all failed, leading to the drowning of another woman.
“They managed to retrieve one body and the other body was retrieved the following day by police Sub-Aqua Unit members.
“As police, we continue to urge members of the public to be very cautious when in rivers, dams and to avoid engaging in life-threatening activities.
“We have lost lives that could have been saved if due caution was observed.
“Investigations are continuing with a view to ascertain what actually transpired,” said Comm Nyathi.
Four years ago, H-Metro reported that the Manjuzu cult was spreading in this country.
Many of the women are believed to have been initiated into the Manjuzu cult in return for a prosperous lavish life but the oath consequences are said to be dire.
Caroline Mhenza, a Manjuzu based in Chitungwiza, even revealed her lifestyle following her initiation into the cult.
“Everything is just super, I’ve never had any misfortune of any sort since my realisation that ndine Shave re njuzu.
“I have all that I need in life, zvitori bho, no problems.”
She said the cult was not harmful and it was a wrong perception spread by Christians.
“In fact, ma Christians vanoda kuzviita vatsvene vachitaura zvavasingazive.
“Hakusi kuromba or anything, varipandiri vanondionesa zvizvhinji, I do all I can se munhu akasarudzwa,” she said.
Another Manjuzu, who preferred anonymity, said:
“People don’t understand that hakusi kuromba, zvinhu zvakauya ndisina kutsvaga.
“Handisini ndakazvitsvaga asi ndakasarudzwa.
“Ndinoona zvakawanda and chipo chandakagara ndinacho handina kuzvisarudza.
“Kuti zvese zvibude, zvifambe ndivo vakandigara.”
Apostle Bigboy Kathumba claimed the water spirits which have spread among Zimbabweans was an anti-marriage spirit which makes the Manjuzu love partying and “overdressing.”
He claimed the mermaid gives the victims wealth for a short period before taking it away.
“The Manjuzu is now a cult that has taken over among young people and has also spread into churches even praise and worship.
“Pastors are also into it, that is why muchinzwa kuti pastor awanikwa nemukadzi wemunhu.
“Vakadzi vazhinji vakaroorwa, vakafirwa, vari single vava kuita zve matare enjuzu kana kuti vava vana Manjuzu.
“It’s also involving young men who have no working history but end up with unaccountable riches.
“There are signs that one is now a Manjuzu or has mashave enjuzu.”
