Sangoma attempts suicide after rape conviction

A traditional healer from Masvingo allegedly attempted to commit suicide in court moments after being sentenced to 20 years in prison for raping an 18-year-old woman during a purported spiritual cleansing ritual.

Obvious Mauyire (35), of Mazungunye Village under Chief Mazungunye in Bikita, was sentenced by Masvingo Regional Magistrate Innocent Bepura on May 22, 2026.

The court found Mauyire guilty of raping the teenager during what he claimed was a night cleansing ceremony meant to rid her of a "spiritual husband."

According to TellZim News, Mauyire swallowed an unknown pill while in the dock shortly after sentencing. Witnesses said a strong smell filled the courtroom before he reportedly began convulsing.

He was rushed to Masvingo Provincial Hospital, where he was admitted in an undisclosed condition.

Prosecutor Nixon Chamisa told the court that on November 14, 2025, the complainant and her family visited Mauyire's shrine seeking spiritual assistance.

The complainant, from Dulivadzimu in Beitbridge, had travelled with her mother and two relatives for a second consultation over alleged spiritual problems.

The family was instructed to bring four bottles of "Nyathi" opaque beer and snuff for the rituals. Upon arrival, they were also allegedly asked to buy Clear Aqua Spirit as a substitute for wine.

The court heard that the complainant was ordered to take snuff and drink beer from a wooden cup as part of rituals intended to appease her ancestors.

Mauyire later instructed the family to return home while the teenager remained behind for what he described as a night cleansing ceremony at a nearby mountain.

Although the complainant's mother resisted leaving her daughter behind, the court heard she was assured that two female assistants would escort the teenager — a promise prosecutors said was never fulfilled.

At around 10pm, Mauyire allegedly pulled the complainant toward him, attempted to kiss her, pinned her down and raped her.

The following morning, the complainant was reportedly instructed to bathe in warm water mixed with herbs as part of the ritual.

The court heard that the complainant only disclosed the incident to her mother in March this year. She said memories of the rape had continued to haunt her, and reading a similar online story prompted her to speak out.
Pindula