Juju scare rocks Harare City Council

Allegations of suspected juju practices have unsettled operations at the Harare City Council after strange and disturbing items were discovered outside the office and parking bay of newly appointed Chamber Secretary, Mr Warren Chiwawa.

According to sources at Town House, suspected cat faeces were found smeared on the door of Mr Chiwawa's office early in the morning, triggering alarm among staff. The incident was compounded by the discovery of a dead bird and peanuts placed in his designated parking bay — items commonly associated with alleged ritualistic acts in some communities.

Mr Chiwawa confirmed the incidents, expressing concern over the developments.

"Someone has been performing black magic at my office and car park bay since last week. It is scary," he said.

A witness who arrived at the premises on Monday described the scene as unsettling.

"I was shocked to see a dead bird and some peanuts inside Mr Chiwawa's parking bay. It was the only bay that had such a thing; it was really frightening. I don't know what is happening, but things seem bad. As someone just passing by, I took a picture because I was so surprised," the witness said.

Employees at Town House said the incidents have created a tense and uneasy working environment, with some expressing fear about entering certain areas of the building.

"People are shaken. These are not things you see every day, especially in a professional environment," said one employee who declined to be named.

A worker involved in removing the items said precautionary measures were taken before disposal.

"We sprinkled salt on the faeces, dead bird and peanuts before flushing them down a drain," the worker said.

Colleagues indicated that the incidents have cast a shadow over what had been anticipated as a fresh start for Mr Chiwawa in his new role.

While such occurrences are rare in formal workplaces, incidents linked to suspected juju practices are not entirely unheard of in some communities, where they often spark fear, speculation and heightened anxiety.

As uncertainty continues, staff members are calling for increased security measures and swift intervention by authorities to restore a sense of safety and normalcy at the council offices.