Tsikamutandas

reported to me that they are tired of these people and they don’t want to see them anymore.

“This group of men who came from out of our province, claim to be in the district on invitation by some Government officials such as the heads of police, courts and other traditional leaders,” he said.

Chief Gampu said he had reported the matter to police at local and district level and was prepared to take it up to provincial level if no corrective measures were taken.

“It was even raised and discussed on Thursday at a Chief Council’s meeting that was held in Gweru. Chiefs agreed that tsikamutandas should be banned in Zimbabwe,” said Chief Gampu.

Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs Minister Cde Cain Mathema said witch-hunting divided communities as it caused misunderstandings among the people. He said many of the witch-hunters were charlatans out to steal people’s money and livestock.

“I have said this before and I will continue to say it, these people only bring disharmony into our communities. They work with a few unscrupulous community leaders.

“In my view, they should be totally banned from society, but then, our society tends to believe that all black people are witches and wizards. This is Rhodesian socio-psychological education among blacks to hate themselves and each other and it should come to an end,” said the minister.

Villagers told The Chronicle tsikamutandas to resist them.

“We are being forced to attend the tsikamutandas’ witch-hunting ceremonies by our local leaders. I lost two cattle, while my neighbour lost his biggest ox and two donkeys after we were accused of possessing goblins.

“Our cattle are then sold for as little as $100 to $150, which is daylight robbery but as villagers, we have no choice but to oblige,” said the villager who spoke on condition of anonymity. — @winnie_masara they were too afraid of