By Brighton Chiseva
A sinister phenomenon unfolded in Chief Bota area of Zaka and Nyajena area in Masvingo district where self-proclaimed traditional healers, known as Tsikamutandas together with traditional leaders are allegedly forcing people to undergo cleansing rituals, often in exchange for cattle and other valuables.
These Tsikamutandas are said to be working in cahoots with mainly village heads who give them a place and receive payments for allowing them to operate in their areas.
According to the Constitution of Zimbabwe, every person has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, and belief. Section 60 of the Constitution states that “every person has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, and belief,” including the freedom to practice, profess, and propagate their religion or belief. Furthermore, Section 282(2) of the Constitution requires traditional leaders to “respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of all persons,” including the right to freedom of conscience, religion, and belief.
However, in Zaka and Nyajena, it appears that some traditional leaders are not respecting these rights and freedoms thereby forcing people against their will.
Ironically, Chief Bota, Nyajena are clansmen with Muchibwa being the King Maker (Zigadzi) in the two chiefdoms despite them being in different districts.
In Zaka, the Tsikamutandas have been spotted in headmen Dzoro and Mushaya areas and Ward 27, which falls in Mushaya area. Councilor Ernest Mandava confirmed their presence.
He however, said he was aware of some complaints but said it was normal that some people might not agree with the Tsikamutandas’ practices.
“I have never been to where they are operating from so I do not know how they are doing it. They came in consultation with traditional leaders so they are not within my jurisdiction. However, its normal in a situation like this that some would complain and I think relevant authorities would intervene,” said Mandava.
Chief Bota born Tafirenyika Bwazvo also confirmed the presence of the witch hunters and said he had taken a firmer stance, summoning headmen and village heads who were allegedly working with the Tsikamutandas to explain themselves.
“As a chief, it’s my duty to ensure that my people are protected from exploitation, so I was told that they were operating in Headman Dzoro area. So I have wasted fuel as I went there to find them but I couldn’t. However, I have learnt that they operate with blessings from some ceremonial traditional leaders.
“I was informed by the MP about their operations so I have summoned them to my court to explain to me how they would grant them authority without my knowledge,” said Bota.
He went on to say he was going to visit Mushaya area the following week after dealing with headman Dzoro and his village heads.
Bota denied any involvement and said he had not gotten even a goat from the Tsikamutandas despite claims that he was often seen in Mushaya area visiting the traditional healer perhaps to collect his dues.
In Chief Nyajena, headman Muchibwa area, local Councillor Tarusenga Mapamba said traditional leaders in Chiponda village were allowing Tsikamutandas to operate, despite village heads not being aware of the constitutional provisions that prohibit forcing people to consult traditional healers.
“It’s unfortunate that some traditional leaders are not aware of the laws that govern our communities. They should not force people to consult traditional healers. The law is very clear and I think they lack knowledge on that regard.
“I heard that they were forcing people which is against the law and I think responsible authorities should look into the matter as it is causing a lot of divisions in the communities,” said Mapamba.
Acting Headman Muchibwa born Paul Manyise told TellZim News that he had taken action, summoning the village head who forced villagers to go to the Tsikamutanda, resulting in some being barred from a community garden and threatened with exclusion from funerals.
“There was an incident in Chiponda Village where some villagers were being forced to go to the Tsikamutanda against their will. So I called the village head and his people and we solved the impasse amicably.
“I simply read what the constitution says about such cases. They think they can create new laws at village level and put them above the law. It’s unfortunate that we do seminars with the village heads and we last had one in February where we discuss these issues,” said Muchibwa.
He went on to say they do not allow the Tsikamutandas to operate but they were brought in by village heads.
“There is no way we allow them to operate but they are called by the village heads not us, so that’s where the challenge is,” said Muchibwa.
Similarly, in Chief Nhema’s area, cases of Tsikamutandas recently emerged. The chief revealed that village heads and headmen often call these self-proclaimed healers, but he did not tolerate them in his area, citing the disunity they cause among his people.
The Tsikamutandas’ actions have left several families broken, with accusations of evil doings flying between neighbors. Many villagers have lost cattle and other valuables to these self-proclaimed healers.
The situation demands urgent attention from authorities to protect the rights and livelihoods of these communities. The government needs to take decisive action to stop the Tsikamutandas’ exploitative practices and ensure that traditional leaders are aware of the laws that govern their communities.
