. . . Headman Dzoro believes the fake witch hunter, allows thim to torment villagers
By TellZim Reporter
ZAKA – In the quiet, sun-kissed expanse of Zaka district, nestled within the verdant hills and patches of rural life, a tale unfolded that would send ripples through the community. It began when Nehemiah Tamanikwa, a self-proclaimed Tsikamutanda (traditional healer and witch hunter) settled in the Headman Dzoro area, a move that was met with mixed emotions of awe and skepticism from the locals.
Nehemiah arrived bearing a striking presence accompanied by an air of confidence, presenting fake documents claiming to hold a license from the Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (ZINATHA). The unsuspecting headman, Jephta Ringirai, validated Nehemiah’s claims, charmed by the healer’s persuasive aura and the promise of protection against evil that accompanied his enigmatic practices.
However, whispers began circulating through the community as some villagers expressed their doubts. They had witnessed too many charlatans over the years, and Nehemiah’s sudden rise sparked suspicion.
ZINATHA Masvingo provincial chairperson Prosper Dohwai confirmed that Nehemiah was not registered with them, and the documents he presented were nothing more than mere fabrications.
“We do not have such a name in our data base. He is not our member so the certificates he presented are fake,” Dohwai said.
Zaka South Ward 32 Councilor Togarepi Toruvanda confirmed that he received inquiries about the self-proclaimed healer but hastened to say the traditional leaders were the best to comment on the matter.
“Villagers should beware of these fake Tsikamutandas. I have heard about them but I think the best persons to comment on the matter are the traditional leaders,” said Toruvanda.
However, headman Dzoro Jephta Ringirai insisted that the Tsikamutanda was not fake. He said Nehemiah was a legitimate healer – a beacon of hope against the unseen forces that plagued their lives.
“It’s true we have a Tsikamutanda here, and everything is well. Those claiming he is fake are simply trying to avoid scrutiny; they have their own agendas,” Ringirai declared.
But how could anyone respect the claims of authority when the very leader who validated Nehemiah’s presence had become the centerpiece of a storm brewing around them?
ZINATHA’s Masvingo Provincial Chairperson, Prosper Dohwai instead condemned the healer’s fraudulent activities and called for heightened scrutiny of such claims among traditional leaders.
“Only our office can verify the authenticity of our members. I want to urge villagers and traditional leaders to first check the authenticity of these people who come to their areas without recommendation from our offices. We only deploy our traditional healers to villages either upon request by traditional leaders or by families who would need their services,” said Dohwai.
An incident at Nehemiah’s makeshift shrine, however, exposed his fake shenanigans following a failed attempt to perform a healing ritual. Fueled by a sense of betrayal, the community demanded accountability, eager to remove the shroud of deception that had settled over their traditional beliefs.
After the embarrassing exposure, Nehemiah fled the area leaving behind nothing but the ruins of trust he had built and shattered. The echoes of his deception faded into silence, but the scars remained. Headman Dzoro’s credibility had taken a significant blow, leaving the villagers questioning whom to trust in their search for healing and protection.
One villager has since reported Nehemiah to the police for falsely accuse members of the village of being witches. He is expected to appear before a magistrate at Jerera on March 10, 2025.
