A sangoma and a woman were apprehended on Sunday for orchestrating a fraudulent display of spiritual powers. The individuals involved were Kudzai Chifombo, the sangoma, and Idah Febi Zimbani, the woman discovered naked in her yard.
Investigations have revealed that Chifombo and Zimbani collaborated to stage the entire incident. Their motive was to deceive people into believing that Chifombo possessed extraordinary spiritual abilities, thereby attracting more clients.
Zimbani confessed to the authorities that Chifombo had promised her a sum of money to feign being a witch trapped by his powers. This charade was intended to enhance Chifombo’s reputation and expand their customer base.
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However, Zimbani had not yet received the undisclosed amount of money that Chifombo had pledged to her for wandering naked in her yard.
Certain residents had already harbored doubts about Chifombo, prompting her to orchestrate the “witch trap” in an attempt to convince them of her supposed powers.
Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, the Harare provincial police spokesperson, announced that both individuals were jointly charged with public indecency.
“We have arrested a woman from Mufakose and another from Epworth for engaging in public indecency,” stated Insp Chakanza. “The woman from Epworth claimed she was remunerated to assume the role of a witch who had fallen off a winnowing basket while attempting to consume human flesh during a funeral in Mt Darwin. The two suspects appeared in court today, facing charges of public indecency.”
During Idah’s appearance before Magistrate Jacqueline Gara at the Mbare Magistrates’ Court, she was not required to enter a plea.
The court proceedings revealed that Idah, residing in Epworth, visited a residence in Mufakose. Kudzai Chifombo, the owner of the house, discovered Zimbani naked and promptly notified the police, who arrived and dispersed the gathering that had assembled at her property.
Subsequently, Zimbani reported the incident at the police station, disclosing the true nature of the situation. During the ensuing interrogation, she purportedly confessed her involvement in a scheme operated by Chifombo and another individual named Winnet Chipangaipe, all aimed at promoting their traditional healing enterprise.
Blessing Chibowere was appointed as the prosecutor in the case.
