Shrines turn into betting havens

Betting fever in Mutare has reached unprecedented levels, with desperate punters increasingly turning to self-styled prophets' shrines in search of "spiritual luck" to improve their chances of winning, it has been established.

In high-density suburbs such as Dangamvura, Hobhouse, and Chikanga, prophets' shrines have become popular destinations for gamblers hoping for divine intervention before placing bets. Visits peak ahead of major international football fixtures, including the English Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A, with some punters observing strict privacy or arriving under cover of darkness.

Mutare-based prophet Madzibaba Skynage Marwakuona confirmed that his shrine is increasingly overwhelmed by punters seeking betting assistance, sometimes outnumbering those seeking healing or deliverance.

"This time the situation has escalated. Many people are coming specifically for betting luck. Some arrive frustrated after losing for months or even years, convinced that something is blocking their breakthrough. We pray for them and strengthen their faith. Some later return with testimonies, celebrating wins and claiming things have changed for them," he said.

However, Marwakuona cautioned that spiritual help is not a guarantee of success. "It is not every day that people win. Spiritual help is not magic—faith plays a big role. Some win today and lose tomorrow; that is the nature of betting. We remove spiritual hindrances and encourage discipline, but if people misuse their money or become greedy, even spiritual help will not work," he explained.

Another prophet, Madzibaba Nzira, confirmed the trend, linking repeated losses in betting to bad luck, locally known as munyama. He noted that while his shrine handles a variety of issues, including infertility, marital problems, chronic illness, and unemployment, more visitors are now coming solely for help in sports betting.

Some punters spoke of tangible results after seeking spiritual intervention. One, requesting anonymity, said: "Before I sought spiritual help, I would lose consistently, even on simple games. After visiting the shrine, things started changing slowly. I now hit meaningful wins and feel more confident when placing bets. Spiritual assistance works, especially when you believe."

However, not all gamblers are convinced. Jonah, another punter, dismissed the practice, saying, "I once visited a shrine hoping things would change, but nothing happened. For me, betting is just luck and mindset. If you believe too much in external forces, you lose focus."

Mutare preacher Pastor Davies English condemned the practice, warning that betting is ungodly and that seeking shortcuts through prophets or traditional healers can carry serious consequences.

"Betting promotes laziness because people want money without labour. From a scriptural standpoint, people are called to work with their hands and earn an honest living. In the Kingdom of God, there is no such thing as free money," he said, adding that reliance on spiritual shortcuts can endanger one's peace, health, family, or future.

As the betting craze continues, local prophets and religious leaders offer sharply contrasting views on the role of spirituality, faith, and personal responsibility in the pursuit of quick financial gains.