The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube Post Correspondent—
ACTING Chief Zimunya on Tuesday stripped troublesome village head, Isaac Nyamana, of headmanship after he was found guilty of working with dubious witch-hunters, popularly known as tsikamutandas, who were and are still terrorising villagers in Zimunya area.The disgraced traditional leader was accused of openly working with the feared extortionists out of greediness while misleading villagers in his area into believing they had the full blessings of Government and Chief Zimunya.
He was ordered to surrender his paraphernalia to Chief Zimunya in full view of traditional leaders and police officers at the former’s homestead in Bvirindi Village in Dora Dombo.
“Your unrepentant behaviour had become a cause of concern. You defied Government’s directive to stop entertaining these tsikamutandas. Instead of corroborating with Government’s efforts to wipe out the cunning witch hunters you worked in unison with them, collecting cash and livestock from villagers. You also defied my orders. You are therefore relieved off your duties. From today, you are now an ordinary villager,” said Chief Zimunya.
He also warned Headman Muradzikwa and village head Don’t Trust Dzobo after allegations arose that the duo once entertained them.
Tsikamutandas had set up bases in Zimunya areas such as Nyamana, Muradzikwa and Dzobo with the assistance of Isaac whom Chief Zimunya once described as a “problem child”.
Some villagers ended up surrendering their wealth to the cunning witch hunters after Nyamana had misled them.
The Manica Post established that the tsikamutandas conducted their cleansing session at Nyamana’s homestead before collecting cattle from those accused of witchcraft.
Tsikamutanda recently conducted his session at Isaac’s homestead and collected several beasts and goats.
The witch hunter’s tools of the trade such as three clay pots, mortar (duri) and pestle (mutswi) as well as a walking stick (tsvimbo) were recovered at his homestead.
Isaac’s wife, Maybe Socha (24), confirmed that tsikamutanda was working hand in hand with him.
During the same meeting, Officer Commanding Police Mutare Rural District, Chief Superintendent Amon Ndou, warned traditional leaders to be wary of the “tricksters” who easily hoodwink villagers if they are given an opportunity.
“They are determined to cause disunity and chaos among families. They first gather information about families before they accuse individuals of possessing goblins and practicing witchcraft. We urge traditional leaders to desist from entertaining them since they usually come through you. We will not hesitate to arrest all unscrupulous tsikamutandas who extort villagers,” he said.
Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Dr Christopher Mushohwe recently described tsikamutandas as “criminal, fraudulent and extortionist”.
He said the witch hunters were conducting their practices without the Government’s blessings.
