Man calls wild animals using mysterious horn whistle

A 75-year-old man from Sabhuku Taona's village under Chief Chikwizo in Mutoko, Mashonaland East, says he once lured wild animals and snakes using a whistle made from a deer horn, but his family now believes the practice is at the centre of deep-seated misfortunes that have torn their household apart.

Richard Karunzva told reporters that he was taught to make and use the horn whistle by a man from Mozambique with whom he once shared a close friendship. According to Karunzva, the horn is carved, sealed with resin and bound with plastic, producing a sound he claims attracted wild animals when blown in the bush.

"When I used it, animals would come — even snakes, leopards and lions," he said. "Whether it was day or night, they would come close and I would shoot them with my gun."

Karunzva said he often hunted with a torch and firearm and sometimes killed more than four animals at a time. He added that he regularly had game meat, some of which he sold, insisting he never used witchcraft.

"I did not bewitch myself to hunt. There was nothing put in that whistle. But I do not know if there is something hidden in the sound that has caused people to say I took an oath," he said.

However, members of his extended family say they are suffering from what they believe are ancestral curses linked to the hunting practices. They claim several relatives have developed mental illnesses, while daughters in the family struggle to marry or to remain in their marriages. Others are said to experience unexplained violent behaviour.

"My family is facing many problems, including mental illness," Karunzva said. "One of my children ran away from home and has lived in the forest for more than 10 years. Another is affected by strange attacks. Some of my children no longer want to see me or even greet me."

Karunzva has two wives and 12 children.

His daughter, Hazvinei Karunzva (32), from the younger wife's house, said the family's troubles are widely believed to stem from her father's hunting oaths.

"We are 12 children, but none of us has peace," she said. "Most of the daughters cannot get married, and even those who do fail to stay in their marriages. I am married, but I am always in conflict with my husband."

The family's first-born son, Shorai Karunzva (48), said the family is exhausted by years of hardship.

"There is sickness, mental illness and many other problems in this family," he said. "Our father is known for hunting using a horn whistle to call animals, but we do not know how all this connects."

Another son, John Karunzva (39), said some people believe the problems date back to actions committed by ancestors, including the hunting practices.

During the interview, one of Karunzva's sons reportedly suffered a violent mental episode and attempted to attack a journalist before being restrained by family members and villagers, briefly disrupting proceedings.

Karunzva's senior wife, Faustina Karunzva (75), said the family has endured immense suffering due to the illnesses affecting their children.

Karunzva said the horn whistle he once used has since been lost and his firearm is no longer functional. He appealed for assistance to help resolve the family's problems.

"I want help. If it is said I bewitched myself, I do not know," he said. "My children are now panning for gold, but nothing is coming out."

The situation deteriorated further as relatives argued openly in front of reporters, with some accusing Karunzva of cutting off family relations since 2019. Karunzva reportedly refused to greet Hazvinei during the confrontation, highlighting the deep divisions that continue to plague the family.