The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube Post Correspondent—
THERE was drama in Dzobo and Nyamana villages under Chief Zimunya when an unscrupulous crew of tsikamutandas was cornered and arrested while trying to evade police.Acting Chief Zimunya accompanied police during the raid at a gathering meant to cleanse the villages by the dubious self-claimed exorcists blamed for fleecing unsuspecting villagers of their cattle, goats, sheep, chickens, money and other valuables.
Tsikamutandas had set up bases in the areas with the assistance of Isaac Nyamana, a village head who has since been branded a “problem-child” by acting Chief Zimunya.
Nyamana has been openly working with the feared witch-hunters without authority from the chief and out of greediness. Some villagers said they ended up surrendering their wealth to the cunning witch hunters after Nyamana had misled them into believing they had the full blessings of Government and Chief Zimunya.
The Manica Post established that the tsikamutandas recently conducted their cleansing session at Nyamana’s homestead before collecting some cattle.
The tsikamutandas’ left tools of their trade including three clay pots, mortar (duri) and pestle (mutswi), a walking stick (tsvimbo) and a knife which was stuck in the ground.
Nyamana’s wife, Maybe Socha (24) confirmed her husband’s close ties with the tsikamutandas.
“Yes, Tsikamutanda was actually here this morning. He usually sells his proceeds soon after conducting the sessions. Some villagers who were assisted by tsikamutanda recently came with two goats as thanksgiving,” she said.
The raid by police was full of drama, intrigue and suspense as the tsikamutandas, who many thought were untouchable at their shrines or could escape without trace, ran for dear life.
On the first incident, which occurred about two kilometers away from Nyamana’s homestead, Chief Zimunya’s car intercepted a Toyota Chaser (ACH 8308) belonging to tsikamutanda that had seven passengers, comprising four men and three women.
They abandoned the vehicle when they sensed danger, but police apprehended one man and three women two of which were identified as Maggie and Brenda Masiya.
Scores of villagers swarmed the scene to catch a glimpse of the free-for all drama.
Upon interrogation, the women disassociated themselves from the crew saying they had boarded a lift, but when pressed further, they volunteered to assist Chief Zimunya and police to locate the tsikamutandas who had escaped.
“The driver is a tsikamutanda because he hired me to provide a drum (ngoma) to use at his sessions. Tangonzi tokumbirawo ngoma kuti tinotora vanhu vane zvidhoma. I am not part of the tsikamutandas,” said the man who was in police handcuffs.
Another passenger said: “He was going to Nyamana’s place and we joined them because we only wanted some beer”.
The women led the chief and the police to Trust Dzobo’s homestead in Dzobo where scores of villagers were gathered anticipating arrival of the tsikamutandas. And again, there was a walking stick stuck on the ground, a bottle with water, a mortar and pestle. Villagers said the tsikamutandas had taken away their livestock, promising to heal them and exorcise evil spirits. Justin Bonyongwa said he lost two chickens while Moses Manditani lost one cattle. Lydia Ratorwa lost a television set, DVD player and a fan as she believed her seriously ill sister could receive divine healing from the tsikamutandas.
“I gave him part of the property hoping that she will be made fine. He asked for a cattle to conduct the cleansing session. We were waiting for him today so that he performs the exorcism,” said Ratorwa.
Another villager who requested anonymity said they were being arm-twisted to attend the cleansing sessions.
“We have been living in fear. They threaten to curse us if we don’t attend their sessions. Even people living with disabilities are being accused of possessing evil spirits and forced to give away their livestock. We are glad that Chief Zimunya is here today to solve this issue,” she said.
Chief Zimunya told villagers to disperse urging them not to be misled by the dubious faith healers.
“From today onwards, Isaac is no longer a village head. He has been undermining my authority by working with these people (tsikamutandas). They have been operating illegally. Government denounces that and we want to urge you to stop obeying their orders. They are crooks and fake. Go home,” said Chief Zimunya.
Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa, urged people to report to their nearest police station whenever they feel duped by tsikamutandas.
