Chiefs clash over

TSHOLOTSHO chiefs have clashed over selfproclaimed witch-doctors, also known as tsikamutandas, who are allegedly causing havoc in the district.

The tsikamutandas allegedly accuse villagers of practising witchcraft and force them to pay in livestock to be cleansed.

They allegedly go on to sell the cattle to businesspeople — who are suspected to be their partners — for as little as $100 per beast yet on average one animal fetches as much as $400.

Matabeleland North Senator, Chief Gampu, said he is against witch-hunting in his area and warned headmen and village heads against inviting them.

He said he has names of businesspeople and some Government officials who are taking advantage of gullible villagers and threatened to name and shame them to end the activity.

The chief said villagers have petitioned him demanding the removal of “the daylight robbers” from the district.

“It is reported that they are demanding livestock and other property from villagers whom they accuse of practising witchcraft.

“It is alleged that they are in turn, selling those cattle for as little as $150 to business people at Tsholotsho Business Centre,” said the chief.

“I have since engaged police and human rights officials to help the desperate community. When I summoned Chief Magama, in whose area of jurisdiction the practice has intensified, he admitted to having invited them into his wards for cleansing purposes. He said it was a normal traditional practice,” he said.

Chief Gampu said indicating that someone was a witch or wizard is unlawful.

“Besides swindling people, they are creating hatred among villagers, resulting in violence. Villagers have