Traditional healer in Mutoko have arrested by POLICE after he allegedly sodomised a16-year-old boy.Allegations are that the victim became acquainted with the traditional healer who was assisting his late aunt for an undisclosed condition.Reports are that the traditional healer informed the boy that he was possessed by an evil spirit and needed cleansing.
The suspect offered to cleanse the boy and demanded US$50 as payment, which he was given.However, instead of cleansing the boy, the traditional healer reportedly went on to sodomise him.ZRP Mashonaland East spokesperson Inspector Simon Chazovachiyi confirmed the incident in a statement.
According to police reports, the incident began in March this year when the 16-year-old boy encountered the 42-year-old suspect, a self-proclaimed traditional healer from Chinzanga township in Mutoko. At the time, the suspect was assisting the boy’s aunt, who has since passed away, with a health condition. During their interaction, the traditional healer allegedly asked to speak to the boy privately.
During the private meeting, the suspect reportedly told the teenager that he was possessed by evil spirits and in need of urgent spiritual cleansing. Using this claim as leverage, the suspect allegedly manipulated the boy into believing that only he could help remove the spirits. This marked the beginning of a disturbing sequence of events, as the suspect took advantage of the boy’s trust and vulnerability. The traditional healer later demanded payment to perform the so-called cleansing ritual, leading to further alleged abuse that eventually prompted a police investigation.
Traditional Healer Arrested For sodomising a 16-year-old boy
The suspect demanded US$50 from the boy as payment for a spiritual cleansing, which the boy provided. In May, the boy returned to the traditional healer’s homestead to follow up on the promised ritual, hoping to receive the cleansing he had paid for. It was during this visit that the situation took a disturbing and unexpected turn.
“The suspect then advised the boy to stay at his homestead and the boy complied. After the boy had complied to stay at the traditional healer’s homestead, he was then sexually abused on several occasions.”According to Inspector Chazovachiyi, the traditional healer allegedly threatened the boy with death or a mental health challenge if he revealed the abuse.
Simon Chazovachiyi, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police in Mashonaland East, confirmed that the teenage boy eventually escaped from the homestead of the suspect, where he had allegedly been held against his will and subjected to repeated sexual abuse under the guise of spiritual cleansing. Following his escape, the boy bravely approached the authorities and reported the ordeal, which led to the immediate arrest of the 42-year-old self-proclaimed traditional healer. Inspector Chazovachiyi commended the young victim for his courage and resilience, emphasizing the importance of speaking out in such situations. He urged the public to report any suspected abuse cases without delay, noting that swift reporting enables law enforcement to act quickly and effectively. Inspector Chazovachiyi also highlighted the need for communities to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting vulnerable groups, especially children, from individuals who exploit cultural or spiritual practices for predatory and criminal purposes.
Inspector Chazovachiyi further cautioned the public against conducting prayer sessions or spiritual cleansing rituals in isolated or secluded areas, stressing that such settings increase the risk of abuse and make it easier for perpetrators to act undetected. He urged community leaders, families, and guardians to stay alert and take an active role in safeguarding children and vulnerable individuals. The inspector highlighted that protecting the community from abuse requires shared responsibility and a strong, united approach. He reassured the public that the police remain committed to responding swiftly and firmly to all reports of sexual or spiritual abuse to ensure public safety.
Source- Bulawayo24
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