Police launch manhunt for tsikamutandas

A major crackdown on rogue witch hunters known as Tsikamutandas has been launched in Zaka and Nyajena districts of Masvingo Province, following rising reports of fraud, family disruptions, and illegal exorcisms.

The operation is being spearheaded by the Traditional Medical Practitioners Council (TMPC) in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). It targets individuals posing as traditional healers, accused of extorting livestock from vulnerable villagers and accusing people of witchcraft under the guise of "spiritual cleansing."

In a letter dated 28 May 2025, TMPC Acting Registrar Givemore Kanda alerted the Officer in Charge of the Zaka and Masvingo policing districts, as well as local District Development Coordinators, urging immediate intervention.

"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," wrote Kanda.
"We are seeking your assistance for the arrest and bringing to book of persons operating as Tsikamutandas throughout Masvingo Province, including the culprits in Zaka and Nyajena."

The TMPC clarified that these actions violate both the Traditional Medical Practitioners Act [Chapter 27:14] and the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23], and emphasized that the council does not support such exploitative practices.

ZRP sources confirmed their involvement in the operation and called on the public to report any sightings or movements of Tsikamutandas. Officers are also investigating allegations that some traditional leaders and law enforcement personnel are protecting or benefiting from these fraudulent activities.

Chief Bota Born Tafirenyika Bwazvo stated that he had personally investigated reports of Tsikamutandas in Dzoro, Mushaya, and Dekeza villages.

"I am not involved in any way. I even summoned the headmen who were alleged to be working with them, but they did not come," he said.

However, sources within the community have cast doubt on Chief Bota's claims, suggesting he and other local leaders, including Headman Muchibwa, may be complicit. Some allege that Tsikamutandas have been paying headmen up to US$100 per day for permission to operate.

The crackdown also seeks to dismantle networks of corruption said to involve police constabularies, village heads, and Tsikamutandas themselves. Reports indicate that bribes are used to bypass livestock clearance procedures, allowing the suspects to keep extorted cattle with minimal resistance.

One Tsikamutanda operating in Mutukirwi Village (Bota) reportedly fled after learning he was being sought by authorities and is now believed to be hiding near Bangala Dam, working from abandoned homesteads. Another is said to reside in Chiponda Village (Muchibwa), reportedly at the home of a police constable who is also the aide of the local village head.

Locals say Tsikamutandas are frequently seen drinking with traditional leaders at rural shops, raising further suspicions of collusion.

While the effectiveness of the operation remains to be seen, it marks a critical move by authorities to curb widespread abuse and restore order in affected rural communities. For years, Tsikamutandas have operated with relative impunity, using fear, manipulation, and superstition to defraud villagers and divide families.

The TMPC urged communities to work with law enforcement and only engage with licensed traditional practitioners for medical and spiritual services.

As the dragnet tightens, residents are hopeful that this joint effort will bring long-awaited relief to communities plagued by rogue spiritualists and their corrupt backers.