Traditional chiefs ban witch-hunters

TWELVE traditional leaders from Chikomba district in Mashonaland East have banned the operations of witch hunters popularly known as tsikamutanda in their area.

The move came after a number of villagers lost their cattle and valuable property to the witch hunters. The leaders, five chiefs and seven headmen have since notified the police about the ban.

"This letter serves to inform you that traditional leaders from Chikomba district have banned the operations of tsikamutanda in Chikomba district with immediate effect . . ." part of the letter addressed to the officer-in-charge Sadza Police Station, reads.

The letter was signed by chiefs Mutekedza, Musarurwa, Chivese, Neshangwe, Nyoka and Headmen Mhurushomana, Chandiwana, Munyimi, Tambaoga, Hokonya, Mukandatsama and Kwenda.

Mashonaland East police spokesperson Inspector Bulisani Bhebhe confirmed the development and said police were teaming up with the traditional leaders to eliminate "witch hunters" who have invaded the province.

"The police in Mashonaland East Province would like to commend the chiefs and headmen from Chikomba district for their recent proclamation to help stop all activities by tsikamutanda within their district," Bhebhe said.

"The unanimous agreement was reached after being noted that these witch hunters were coercing the villagers to take part in the alleged cleansing rituals as a way to extort cattle and other valuables from the community.

"More so, this is clearly contrary to cultural and statutory regulations where affected persons visit the witchdoctor and not the other way round."

He added that police were going to arrest the witch hunters upon sight.

"As police we similarly declare zero tolerance against witch hunters who masquerade as tsikamutanda. We will ensure that these witch hunters are arrested upon sight.

"We therefore appeal to the public to report to their nearest police station any incident relating to witch hunters," he said.