News / National
Spirit medium' goes into a 'trance', magistrate scurries for cover
28 Apr 2013 at 06:42hrs | Views
Karoi magistrates' court officials, including the magistrate, Mrs Nyaradzo Ringisayi, were forced to scurry for cover last Friday after an assault suspect, who claims to be a spirit medium, brandished a rod after going into a "trance".
The suspect, Clifford Mhaka, refused to be tried, claiming he was possessed by the spirit of Chief Nyatsimba Mutota. With snuff in one hand and brandishing a rod in the other, Mhaka roared as he stepped into the dock.
He boasted about his "supernatural powers" and challenged prison guards to handcuff him, saying Chief Mutota would break them. In a hoarse, guttural tone, he shouted: "I am the chief here and no one will try me. Yes, I am the one who assaulted the complainant and nobody should ask me for I am Chief Nyatsimba Mutota, the chief of chiefs."
The heavily built Mhaka, who was draped in a red robe with black patches, turned violent when prison guards intervened. This forced most people in the courtroom to dash outside for safety. Those outside also flocked to the courtroom entrance, jostling to catch a glimpse of the action.
It took several minutes for three prison guards to subdue him. Mhaka, of Shawnigun Farm, is facing charges of assaulting Tsungai Chivheya, also of the same farm.
Allegations are that on March 8 this year, Mhaka met Chivheya at Spring Farm bus stop and threatened to end his job and to kill him. Mrs Ringisayi ordered that Mhaka be examined by two doctors in terms of the Mental Health Act to establish if contempt of court charges should be opened against him.
Mhaka was remanded in custody to Friday this week. Mr Webster Dimingo prosecuted.
The suspect, Clifford Mhaka, refused to be tried, claiming he was possessed by the spirit of Chief Nyatsimba Mutota. With snuff in one hand and brandishing a rod in the other, Mhaka roared as he stepped into the dock.
He boasted about his "supernatural powers" and challenged prison guards to handcuff him, saying Chief Mutota would break them. In a hoarse, guttural tone, he shouted: "I am the chief here and no one will try me. Yes, I am the one who assaulted the complainant and nobody should ask me for I am Chief Nyatsimba Mutota, the chief of chiefs."
It took several minutes for three prison guards to subdue him. Mhaka, of Shawnigun Farm, is facing charges of assaulting Tsungai Chivheya, also of the same farm.
Allegations are that on March 8 this year, Mhaka met Chivheya at Spring Farm bus stop and threatened to end his job and to kill him. Mrs Ringisayi ordered that Mhaka be examined by two doctors in terms of the Mental Health Act to establish if contempt of court charges should be opened against him.
Mhaka was remanded in custody to Friday this week. Mr Webster Dimingo prosecuted.
Source - SM
