The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa Weekender Correspondent—
A MUTARE court has ordered Chief Marange, Mutare District Administrator and a villager to desist from acting or inciting violence against a 90-year-old man who is being accused by his family members of witchcraft. Simon Chakaza was granted a protection order by Ms Anniah Ndiraya after all the three respondents defaulted court.
In his founding affidavit, Simon said his late brother’s son, Arkmore accused him of witchcraft, claiming that he was responsible for the deaths and suffering in the family.
“He says that I am responsible for the supernatural abuse of souls and the ultimate curses befalling our family members via sorcery, spells, hexes, charms and astral travels,” said Simon.
He said Arkmore also accused him of causing sexual torture to female family members through mubobobo and stated that Chief Marange was disturbing his peace by dispatching his officers to his compound after being consulted by Arkmore.
Simon said the chief’s officers were terrorising him as if he was a criminal by handcuffing him.
In the end, he said, his dignity in society was being destroyed by the actions of the respondents.
Arkmore
He also stated that being superintendent of all Local Government operations in the district and doubling as the immediate superior of Chief Marange, the DA of Mutare District also had a case to answer to.
“Your Worship, I am living in fear as Arkmore is forcing me to consult traditional healers and prophets through the office of the chief. Even if I was an accused person, I do not think it will be fair for them to handcuff me at my advanced age. This was only done to undermine me and reduce me to a mere destitute,” said Simon.
In her ruling, Ms Ndiraya said: “The respondents are hereby interdicted from forcibly taking the applicant to traditional healers or unplanned journeys. They are also ordered to forthwith desist from acting violently or inciting acts of violence against Simon Chakaza.”
Arkmore was also ordered to stop visiting Simon’s homestead and pay all the costs that had been accrued by Simon during the course of the matter.
