The ManicaPost
Blessing Rwizi Post Correspondent
ACTING Chief Mutasa has warned his headmen against permitting self-proclaimed exorcists popularly known as Tsikamutandas to operate in his area, saying their operations were unconstitutional.
Chief Mutasa recently sought authority from the Ministry of Rural Development and Preservation of National Cultural Heritage to charge one of his headmen, Headman Chikomba for allowing tsikamutandas to operate in the area under his jurisdiction.
In his letter to the Ministry of Rural Development and Preservation of National Cultural Heritage, Acting Chief Mutasa wrote: “I made it abundantly clear to Headman Chikomba that tsikamutandas area operating illegally and allowing them to operate is a clear violation of the people’s rights. I am of the view that forcing people to attend the tsikamutandas ceremonies is a clear violation of Sections 58 (1) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe which reads: ‘Every person has the right to the freedom of conscience which includes freedom of thought, opinion, religion or belief.’ Section 58(2) reads: ‘No persona may be compelled to belong to an association or attend a meeting or gathering.’ I am of the view that misconduct charges should be preferred against Headman Chikomba for defying the order of the Chief and District Administrator.”
He added that he was surprised that tsikamutandas were still operating in Honde Valley after barring them from his area.
Efforts to get Headman Chikomba’s comment were fruitless as his given contacts were not reachable at the time of going to print.
Prior to this, Chief Mutasa had made it abundantly clear to his headmen at a meeting in September that he did not want any of the self-proclaimed exorcists to set foot in his area as they were violating people’s constitutional rights.
It is alleged Headman Chikomba connived with the tsikamutandas on several occasions to wreak havoc and swindle the poor villagers.
He forced villagers in his area to attend tsikamutandas’ cleansing ceremonies after misrepresenting to them that they would acquire wealth, peace, health and prosperity.
At the end, villagers end up losing their cash and livestock among other things after being duped.
Tsikamutandas recently set base in Samanyika Village in Nyanga where they have formed a syndicate with livestock buyers and butchery operators who will buy the ill-gotten livestock.
