Traditional healer drowns during rituals

A 31-year-old alleged traditional healer, Vernon Ndemadzirwa of Hore Village, Chief Zvimba in Chinhoyi, tragically drowned while performing rituals at Nyachowa Falls under Chief Zimunya, Mutare, last Sunday. His body was discovered floating in the river five days later.

Manicaland Acting Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed that the incident occurred around 5pm during the rituals. Ndemadzirwa, a traditionalist who had previously conducted similar ceremonies at the site, was performing his third ritual when he entered deeper waters and drowned.

He was reportedly accompanied by Ryan Tinofara Hove (21) of Unit K, Chitungwiza, on the day of the incident. Villagers had been reassured by traditional leaders participating in the ritual that Ndemadzira had been taken by mermaids and would resurface within two days.

When he failed to reappear, his body was found on Friday at approximately 4pm by villager Raphael Zimunya. The matter was reported to Chitakatira Police Post, and the body was retrieved and taken to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital mortuary.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.