By Staff Reporter
A disturbing incident of assault has been reported in Zaka, Chief Bota area, involving a self-proclaimed traditional healer known as Tsikamutanda where the victim was allegedly manhandled and dragged to the Tsikamutanda’s shrine after refusing to comply with family members’ demand to visit.
During the altercation, the victim claimed to sustained bruises and had his shirt torn. The Tsikamutanda ultimately declared the victim had no spiritual issues, leaving many to question the purpose of the forced visit.
Thomas Kubvaruno of Banduki Village told TellZim News that his family members including his brother Lawrence and others dragged him to Chisara Village where the Tsikamutanda was on the day in question against his belief.
“It’s true, they came to my place after I had refused to go and manhandled me, they tore my shirt and I had bruises all over, however, what concerns me much is that I was declared innocent when we got there.
“I had even asked them before going there if they suspect that I had anything or if they were told that I had anything but they heard none of it and force marched me there,” said Kubvaruno.
This incident highlights the growing concerns about rogue Tsikamutandas in the area, which have been further exacerbated by the police’s failure to take effective action. Despite launching a manhunt for these individuals, the police are yet to apprehend them, leaving villagers frustrated and fearful.
The lack of police action has raised concerns that the situation may escalate, potentially leading to violent confrontations.
“We were told that forcing people to go there was illegal and that them being here was also illegal. We read in the news that the Chief was against it and the police were looking for them but no action has been taken so far.
“We now fear for our lives and my relatives are even threatening to assault me for reporting the incident and I now fear for my life,” he said.
The activities of the Tsikamutandas have been described as a reign of terror in the community. Reports have surfaced of them demanding livestock, household items, and money from villagers, with some cases involving disruption of family dynamics. The community is now calling for urgent action to be taken to apprehend these individuals and put an end to their activities.
The Traditional Medical Practitioners Council (TMPC) recently wrote a letter to various departments asking for help to apprehend the traditional healers in the area as well as in Nyajena.
MPCZ is mandated by the Government of Zimbabwe under the Ministry of Health and Child Care in terms of the Traditional Medical Practitioners Act [Chapter 27:14] to register, license, regulate, control, supervise and promote the practice of all traditional medical activities in Zimbabwe.
In a letter by TMPC Acting Registrar Givemore Kanda, dated May 28 and directed to Officer In Charge Zaka and Masvingo policing districts, and the District Development Coordinators of the two jurisdictions, the council noted with concern the increased illegal activities of fraudulent traditional medical practitioners and persons operating as Tsikamutandas in the said areas.
“The council notes with concern the increased illegal activities of fraudulent traditional medical practitioners and persons operating as Tsikamutandas swindling villagers of their possessions in cahoots with some traditional leaders and village heads.
“We are seeking your assistance for the arrest and bringing to book, persons operating as Tsikamutandas throughout Masvingo Province including the culprits involved in Zaka and Nyajena Districts. The activities of persons operating as Tsikamutandas are illegal according to the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23) and TMPC does not support such activities,” reads part of the letter.
