Woman accuses uncle of sexual abuse and witchcraft

In a deeply disturbing case of alleged sexual abuse and witchcraft, Margaret Muchuro, a 34-year-old disabled woman from Chimanimani, accused her uncle, Chrispen Muchuro, of demanding sexual favours as a condition for assisting her with her immobility. The shocking allegations were presented before Chief Saurombe's community court last week, as tensions within the Muchuro family escalated over accusations of wizardry, witchcraft, and spiritual torment.

Margaret, who is wheelchair-bound due to her disability, claimed that Chrispen caused her immobility and used a snake to sexually abuse her while she slept. She further alleged that he demanded sexual intimacy as a precondition for helping her consult traditional healers to regain the function of her legs.

"At one point, he told me that he wanted to sleep with me. This was after a traditional healer told me that he had mubobobo, and when I confronted him, he admitted it," Margaret told the court. "He then said he was done spiritually abusing me and now wanted physical intimacy. He made it clear that he would only help me consult healers if I complied with his demand. How could I sleep with my father? It is absurd."

Margaret also described recurring visions of a snake, which she believes to be her uncle's spiritual form, responsible for her immobility. "I see the snake in the spirit world. It stays at our homestead and uses me as its spiritual wife. This is why I cannot walk," Margaret explained.

As the allegations continued, Margaret accused her mother, Irene Muchuro, of conspiring with Chrispen to paralyze and trap her in a wheelchair. She claimed that both her uncle and mother were responsible for her condition, alleging that they had used witchcraft to make her legs immobile.

"We consulted traditional healers, and they told us that my uncle and mother bewitched me. My legs had once been treated, and I was able to walk again, but now I am back in a wheelchair because of their sorcery," Margaret said.

In a passionate defense, Chrispen Muchuro denied the allegations, accusing Margaret of fabricating stories to cover up her own actions. He argued that Margaret's immobility was a result of a failed suicide attempt while she was in South Africa, not witchcraft. "The traditional healers told us that her legs were paralyzed because she took poison and didn't seek medical help in time. That is the truth, and she knows it," Chrispen said. "I have never asked for sexual favours from her. These allegations are baseless."

Chrispen further criticized Margaret's claims of witchcraft, accusing her of making false accusations to divert attention from her own mistakes. He also mentioned that Margaret had spent four months in a South African hospital following the suicide attempt.

Irene Muchuro, Margaret's mother, vehemently denied the witchcraft accusations and accused her daughter of placing blame on family members. Irene explained that Margaret's legs were deformed at birth but had been medically treated. She also accused Margaret of bringing goblins from South Africa, which she believed contributed to her misfortunes.

"When I gave birth to her, her legs were not normal, and they had to be straightened. After she took poison, she stayed in a hospital for four months. Traditional healers have also told us that Margaret brought goblins from South Africa, and that is the cause of her problems," Irene said.

Irene also expressed her frustration at Margaret's accusations, questioning how she could be accused of witchcraft while caring for Margaret and her five children. "I am the one who looks after her and her children. I feed them, help her use the toilet, and yet I am accused of being a witch," Irene wept. "How can my child treat me like this when I am doing everything for her and her children?"

Irene expressed her frustration further, stating that she no longer wished to care for Margaret's children, as she felt unappreciated for her sacrifices. "I am at my age, and I am looking after Margaret and her children. I no longer want to take care of her children. She should take them to their different fathers," she said.

In his ruling, Chief Saurombe urged the Muchuro family to seek further guidance from trusted traditional healers and community elders to resolve the conflict. "These are serious allegations that need proper investigation. Witchcraft accusations can tear families apart, and it is crucial that the truth comes out," Chief Saurombe said. "You must all seek a solution that brings peace and healing to the family."

The case has been adjourned to a later date for further investigation and resolution, as tensions within the Muchuro family continue to mount.