Prophetess arrested- Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have arrested a self-proclaimed prophetess, Charity Mafirowanda (46), and eight members of her congregation following the mysterious death of a 54-year-old man during a spiritual ritual in Mbizo, Kwekwe. The incident has sent shockwaves across the community, raising serious concerns about dangerous religious practices disguised as healing rituals.
According to a police statement issued by national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, Mafirowanda and her followers are alleged to have forced Micky Chuma, the victim, to ingest a harmful concoction as part of a so-called exorcism ritual. The prophetess and her congregants believed the man was possessed by evil spirits and attempted to “cast out demons” using the fatal mixture.
“The suspects allegedly administered a concoction to the victim in an attempt to exorcise evil spirits, resulting in the victim’s death,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
The police have identified the eight arrested congregants as Talent Khumalo (42), Bongani Paraffin (33), Admire Makota (23), Ronald Mandiedza (24), Margret Zireba (21), Lyton Ndlovu (19), Arnold Mashiri (23), and Pauline Banda (33). All nine individuals, including the prophetess, are currently in police custody and face possible charges related to the death of Chuma.
According to investigators, the incident occurred at a church shrine operated by the prophetess in the high-density suburb of Mbizo. Witnesses from the area report that Mafirowanda was well known for conducting late-night prayer sessions and exorcisms, attracting dozens of desperate followers seeking spiritual solutions to life’s challenges. However, many now say they were unaware of the risky and unregulated methods being practiced behind closed doors.
Sources close to the investigation revealed that during the alleged exorcism, Chuma was coerced into drinking an unknown liquid substance described as bitter and disorienting. Moments later, he began showing signs of distress and reportedly lost consciousness shortly after. Rather than calling for medical help, the group is said to have panicked.
Prophetess in Custody Over Fatal Herbal Mixture Incident
In a disturbing twist, the suspects allegedly transported Chuma’s lifeless body from the shrine to his home in a desperate bid to cover up the incident. Police say the group laid the body on the victim’s bed and covered it with blankets in an effort to create the appearance of a natural death.
“After the victim’s death, the suspects allegedly carried the body from the shrine to the victim’s residence, where they placed it on the bed before covering it with blankets, in an attempt to conceal the crime,” said the ZRP.
The case has sparked outrage among human rights organisations, legal experts, and community leaders, who are calling for tighter regulation of informal religious sects and spiritual healers operating outside recognised frameworks. They argue that while freedom of religion is a constitutional right, it must not come at the expense of human life and safety.
“This tragedy highlights the urgent need for accountability among self-styled spiritual leaders who operate with impunity under the guise of religious freedom,” said one Kwekwe-based human rights advocate. “The state must draw a line between genuine spiritual guidance and reckless endangerment of life.”
Members of the community have described the prophetess as a charismatic yet controversial figure who drew large crowds to her shrine. Many expressed shock at her arrest, while others admitted they had growing concerns about her increasingly extreme methods.
“I used to attend her prayers,” said a resident who requested anonymity. “But I stopped going after I saw people being made to drink strange things and go through painful rituals. We were told it was part of the healing process.”
As the ZRP continues with its investigations, the arrested prophetess and her followers are expected to appear in court soon, where they will be formally charged. Preliminary charges may include culpable homicide, concealment of a death, and unlawful practices leading to loss of life.
Meanwhile, the family of the deceased, Micky Chuma, is calling for justice. They say Chuma was a devout man seeking healing and spiritual peace, not a victim of fatal experimentation.
“We are devastated,” said a relative. “He went there for help, but instead he was killed. These people must face the law.”
The case adds to a growing list of fatalities and abuses linked to rogue spiritual leaders in Zimbabwe. It also serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by unregulated religious practices, particularly when they blur the lines between faith, superstition, and fatal harm.
Source – Bulaway24
