…TMPC, Chiefs, Police launch manhunt for Zaka, Nyajena Tsikamutandas
By Beatific Gumbwanda
The Traditional Medical Practitioners Council (TMPC) and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have launched a joint crackdown on notorious witch hunters known as Tsikamutandas in Masvingo’s Zaka and Nyajena districts.
TMPCZ 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, licence, regulate, control, supervise and promote the practice of all traditional medical activities in Zimbabwe.
The Tsikamutandas have been accused of swindling villagers out of their possessions and tearing families apart by accusing people of witchcraft and demanding payments in the form of livestock to ‘cleanse evil spirits’.
The TMPC has taken decisive action, writing to the ZRP in Zaka and Nyajena districts, requesting assistance in arresting and bringing to book persons operating as Tsikamutandas.
In a letter by TMPC Acting Registrar Givemore Kanda, dated May 28 and directed to Oficer In Charge Zaka and Masvingo policing districts, and the District Dveleopment Cordinators 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.
The police sources confirmed their involvement in the crackdown, calling on members of the public to notify them of the whereabouts of Tsikamutandas in Zaka to dismantle the alleged networks of corruption that have enabled their activities.
Chief Bota Born Tafirenyika Bwazvo also said he had joined the crackdown, saying he was notified of Tsikamutandas operating in Dzoro, Mushaya, and Dekeza and refuted allegations that he was involved in their operations.
“I went to Dzoro area but I couldn’t find them. I also went to Mushaya and heard they were also operating in Dekeza area. I heard that the headmen were getting US$100 per day to allow them to operate.
“I am not involved in any way, I even summoned the headmen involved to my court but they did not come,” said Bota.
However, sources close to the matter casted doubt on the chief’s denial of involvement, suggesting that the chain of corruption may rose to and his counterpart, headman Muchibwa in Nyajena.
Sources alleged that Tsikamutandas bribe police officers to ensure smooth clearance of cattle taken from unsuspecting villagers, allowing them to continue their illicit activities with relative impunity.
The Tsikamuandas are alleged to be booze lovers and are often seen with traditional leaders in both areas drinking at the shops oftenly raising questions from the public.
In Bota, the Tsikamutanda is haboured in Mutukirwi Village with the blessing of the village head who is also a ceremonial headman.
After hearing that he is being sought, he is said to have retreated further dow near Bangala dam and is operating from there deserted homes.
In Muchibwa he stays in Chiponda Village at one police constabulary’s home who also happens to be the village head’s aide.
The effectiveness of the crackdown remains to be seen, but it marks a significant step towards restoring sanity in the affected communities, where Tsikamutandas have been causing havoc and destroying lives.
