Ritual murder victim 'speaks from beyond the grave'

SEVEN people have been arrested in Manicaland after a woman allegedly became possessed by the spirit of a man murdered two years ago and named people she claimed were responsible for his death.

The bizarre development unfolded during a traditional court hearing before Chief Mutasa, where the woman allegedly manifested as the late Luckmore Dziire and gave an account of the circumstances surrounding his death.

Dziire, from Domborutinhira in Mutasa, was found dead in October 2024 in what appeared to be a ritual killing, with his heart, private parts, fingers and toenails reportedly missing.

During the recent hearing, the woman, speaking as Dziire, allegedly named fellow villagers Margaret Marume, Jeremiah Mupunga, Kenny Chirumhanzu, Nyasha Mudeme, Tendai Alfonso, Joseph Alfonso, Christopher and Mangandaire as being involved in the killing.

Tendai Alfonso is already serving a prison sentence after being convicted of Dziire's murder by the High Court.

According to the account given during the alleged manifestation, Dziire had gone to a local shop where he drank traditional beer and ate meat before he was allegedly given a laced drink.

He reportedly fell asleep on a bench outside the shop before being ambushed.

"During the night, many people surrounded me. Tendai Alfonso stabbed me with a knife in the neck and chest, while others joined in . . . cutting up my body," the woman allegedly said while speaking as Dziire.

She further alleged that Dziire's body parts and blood were harvested for traditional medicine before his remains were dumped near the shop.

Dziire's brother, Dzidzai, took the matter before Chief Mutasa, saying the family was still seeking answers despite Alfonso's conviction.

He said the alleged spiritual manifestations had started in February following the death of his child, Tavonga.

The family's search for further answers was also reportedly influenced by testimony given by Alfonso during his trial, in which he allegedly indicated that he had not acted alone.

"Alfonso told the court during his trial that he did not commit the act alone. We want to know the full truth about what happened to our relative and whether other people were involved," said Jenny Dziire, a relative.

"We believe there may have been interference by other people, and we want all these allegations to be thoroughly investigated."

However, those named during the hearing have denied involvement in the killing.

Marume acknowledged seeing Dziire on the day he disappeared but denied any wrongdoing.

"We had brewed traditional beer for customers at the shop where I work. Luckmore came and asked Joseph for food, as he was eating at the time. He was given food, ate it and left," she said.

Marume said she only learnt of Dziire's death later after receiving a phone call.

Another suspect, Shupikai, also denied supplying the alcohol allegedly consumed by Dziire.

Following the hearing, Chief Mutasa referred the matter to the police, with officers who had attended the proceedings taking the named suspects into custody for questioning.

The allegations surrounding the alleged spiritual manifestation have not been independently verified, and the arrests do not constitute proof of guilt. Police investigations are expected to establish whether the suspects had any involvement in Dziire's death.