The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Correspondent
VILLAGERS in Nenohwe Village, Chimanimani, had to scurry for cover when a giant snake was captured by a local prophetess last week on Friday.
However, the snake turned into a log after being surrendered at Chief Mutambara’s court.
Scores of people who had gathered to witness the drama at Gogo Ethel Sithole’s homestead had to run for dear life as the giant reptile put up a spirited resistance before being subdued by a white garment prophetess, Madzimai Loice Mukono and her team.
This was after Chief Mutambara had asked Madzimai Mukono to capture the snake two weeks ago,
The initial event had to be postponed last week after more than 200 people had showed up to witness the event.
While the second date had been kept a closely guarded secret to avoid a large gathering, a sizeable crowd still gathered for the drama.
Last week, The Weekender reported that a 12-year-old girl spilled the beans after allegedly seeing Gogo’s Sithole’s friend, Gogo Savie Nenohwe, breastfeeding the snake and uttering the names of fellow villagers.
After reporting the case to Gogo Sithole and realising that she was not taking any action, the young girl then reported the matter to other villagers.
It was also brought before the village head, Mrs Molline Nenohwe’s attention, who then took the issue to Chief Mutambara.
Gogo Sithole’s niece, Maria, also testified to sharing a room with the snake.
“I used to sleep in the room where Gogo Nenohwe was seen breastfeeding the snake. The snake stays in that room. I stopped using the room because of that and begged my aunt to move me to another room. Sometimes the snake comes out to bask in the sun,” said Maria.
Other villagers in Nenohwe Village also said they have come across a giant snake that has a red cloth tied around it.
Masimba Muramba said he spotted the snake basking in the sun at Gogo Sithole’s homestead on many occasions and that he feared that it was the cause of many misfortunes in the village.
Madzimai Mukono confirmed capturing the snake.
“When the two women acquired it, they did not know that it was a snake because they were given a twig by the person who initiated them into witchcraft. The twig later turned into a snake which would demand milk and blood from them as ‘payment’ for its service.
“After capturing it, the snake turned into a log in the presence of all those who were gathered at Chief Mutambara’s court,” said Madzimai Mukono.
The matter is still pending before Chief Mutambara’s court.
The traditional leader confirmed that the snake was captured, adding that it turned into a log when it was brought to his court.
He said the snake (log) will be burnt tomorrow (Saturday) at his court.
“The two women and Madzimai Mukono will appear before my court tomorrow. Everyone will witness the burning of the snake. Usually when such logs are put on fire, they revert back to the snake form.
“Everyone interested in witnessing the event is free to attend.
“The log is in the custody of Madzimai Mukono for safekeeping.
“We do not want it to escape, that is why we decided that Madzimai Mukono should safeguard it.
“We will also burn the cloth and beads that were tied around the snake. Some cloths were also recovered from the snake’s room. These will also be destroyed,” said Chief Mutambara.
Gogo Sithole and Gogo Nenohwe refused to entertain the media.
