Wizardry tears family apart

A MAKONI villager last week dragged his three siblings to Chief Makoni’s court, accusing them of labelling him a wizard and force-marching him to prophets when he was ill.

Never Makuni sued his three brothers Daniel, Cephas and Tendai - and prophets Obert Chongami and Tichaona Muchena.

Makuni told the court that his brothers invaded his homestead accompanied by some prophets who accused him of possessing goblins and lucky charms.

“I fell ill in December last year and my children took me to Harare for medical attention, but my brother, Cephas, followed me there and took me to Masvosva Village where he claimed that there was a prophet who could assist me.

“That prophet later said he wanted the family to gather at his place so that he could solve our problems, but my brothers shifted goalposts and said we should be assisted by Madzibaba Obert Chongami.

“Chongami claimed that I have a trunk loaded with traditional healers’ paraphernalia. I told him that the trunk only contains some bolts, but he insisted. I challenged him to go to my homestead and find out for himself, but he refused.

“He also claimed that my late father gave me some goblins and I also acquired one for myself. He also said I possess a luck charm, saying that is why my children are gainfully employed, while my brothers’ are loafing in the village. He further claimed that I have supernatural powers to sleep with my daughter-in-laws and my own children,” narrated Makuni.

On their way back home, Makuni said he challenged his young brothers to pass through his homestead and verify Chongami’s claims, but they refused.

Makuni further claimed that his brothers organised a cleansing ceremony at his homestead without his consent.

“They gathered for a night vigil at my homestead without my consent, this time with Tichaona Muchena being the prophet. They took my foodstuff and firewood without my permission. They continued accusing me of being a wizard,” said Makuni.

His brothers, however, denied ever forcing prophets on Makuni.

They said he refused to cooperate with family members to find lasting solutions to their problems.

“We never forced our brother to attend any apostolic church’s services, he did so voluntarily. There are long standing problems in the family and we are trying to find solutions. We wonder why he is so evasive,” the brothers told the court.

Chief Makoni ruled that the Makunis must be assisted by prophets and traditional healers recommended by his court.