News / National
Man assaulted for refusing to visit Tsikamutanda
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A disturbing incident involving a self-styled traditional healer, or Tsikamutanda, has sent shockwaves through the Zaka community under Chief Bota, after a local man was allegedly assaulted and forcefully taken to a shrine against his will by his own relatives.
The victim, Thomas Kubvaruno of Banduki Village, claims he was manhandled, had his shirt torn, and sustained bruises after resisting demands by family members to visit a Tsikamutanda in Chisara Village. Kubvaruno was accused of harbouring unknown spiritual problems but was ultimately declared innocent after the forced visit - raising serious questions about the motives behind the ordeal.
"It's true, they came to my place after I had refused to go. They manhandled me, tore my shirt, and I had bruises all over. What's worse is that the Tsikamutanda said I had no spiritual issues. I had even asked if anyone had been told I had a problem, but they just forced me there," said Kubvaruno.
The incident is the latest in a string of alleged abuses linked to rogue Tsikamutandas operating in the area. Community members say the spiritualists are terrorising villagers, with reports of forced rituals, extortion, and family divisions becoming more common.
Kubvaruno now fears for his life, claiming his relatives have threatened to assault him for reporting the incident to authorities.
"We were told that forcing someone to visit these people is illegal and that their presence in the area is unlawful. We've read that the Chief has denounced them, and police were looking for them. But no arrests have been made. I am scared because my family is angry that I spoke out," he added.
The Traditional Medical Practitioners Council (TMPC) has since intervened, writing to the police and local authorities demanding urgent action against the fraudulent healers. In a letter dated May 28, TMPC Acting Registrar Givemore Kanda expressed grave concern over the proliferation of illegal Tsikamutanda activities in Zaka and Nyajena.
"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," read the letter addressed to the Officer in Charge of Zaka, Masvingo policing districts, and relevant government departments.
"These activities are in violation of the Traditional Medical Practitioners Act [Chapter 27:14] and the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23]. TMPC does not support such activities and is calling for the arrest and prosecution of the culprits."
Villagers have also reported that the Tsikamutandas are demanding livestock, household goods, and cash, often with the backing of some local leaders. Many fear the situation could escalate if authorities fail to act swiftly.
Residents are now calling on the police and traditional leadership to restore order and protect communities from what they describe as a spiritual extortion racket.
Despite public outcry and official denunciations, no arrests have been made, and the controversial spiritualists reportedly continue to operate in the area.
The victim, Thomas Kubvaruno of Banduki Village, claims he was manhandled, had his shirt torn, and sustained bruises after resisting demands by family members to visit a Tsikamutanda in Chisara Village. Kubvaruno was accused of harbouring unknown spiritual problems but was ultimately declared innocent after the forced visit - raising serious questions about the motives behind the ordeal.
"It's true, they came to my place after I had refused to go. They manhandled me, tore my shirt, and I had bruises all over. What's worse is that the Tsikamutanda said I had no spiritual issues. I had even asked if anyone had been told I had a problem, but they just forced me there," said Kubvaruno.
The incident is the latest in a string of alleged abuses linked to rogue Tsikamutandas operating in the area. Community members say the spiritualists are terrorising villagers, with reports of forced rituals, extortion, and family divisions becoming more common.
Kubvaruno now fears for his life, claiming his relatives have threatened to assault him for reporting the incident to authorities.
"We were told that forcing someone to visit these people is illegal and that their presence in the area is unlawful. We've read that the Chief has denounced them, and police were looking for them. But no arrests have been made. I am scared because my family is angry that I spoke out," he added.
"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," read the letter addressed to the Officer in Charge of Zaka, Masvingo policing districts, and relevant government departments.
"These activities are in violation of the Traditional Medical Practitioners Act [Chapter 27:14] and the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23]. TMPC does not support such activities and is calling for the arrest and prosecution of the culprits."
Villagers have also reported that the Tsikamutandas are demanding livestock, household goods, and cash, often with the backing of some local leaders. Many fear the situation could escalate if authorities fail to act swiftly.
Residents are now calling on the police and traditional leadership to restore order and protect communities from what they describe as a spiritual extortion racket.
Despite public outcry and official denunciations, no arrests have been made, and the controversial spiritualists reportedly continue to operate in the area.
Source - Tellzim
