Rare Christmas treat in a weird world
BIZARRE incidents are happening in this part of the country. Recently, over 100 female undergarments, which were positively identified by their owners, were discovered in a maize field, in a weird case that left locals bemused.
A man was fined for bestiality early December after he was caught being intimate with a cow in one resettlement area, while several cases of incest have been reported in the Nyamutsahuni area of Mutoko.
“Strange things are happening here, especially in the resettlement areas where we have people of different origins and traditions.
“I have presided over a number of cases. Currently, I am dealing with a case in which 130 female undergarments were found in one man’s field in Village 33, Plot Number 33 Chimurenga under the Nyadire Resettlement,” said Headman Nyamutsahuni, born Oscar Nyakabau.
“I have approached the accused — I cannot disclose his name now — but according to our culture and tradition, he will have to pay a heifer and a calf as fine.
“We have some who are sleeping with their own mothers. As recent as last week, a man was caught being intimate with a cow. I am afraid such acts might disturb rainfall patterns because they are against our tradition and culture,” he said.
However, on Christmas Eve, the headman didn’t have to attend to the growing number of strange cases in his area as he was among dignitaries who graced a unique occasion at Kanyongo Shopping Centre, 17km west of Mutoko Centre.
At least 500 children, most of whom come from poor backgrounds, were treated to a Christmas feast, courtesy of Mrs Choice Kanyongo, a philanthropist who was born and bred in Kanyongo Village before relocating to the United States of America.
The feast, which is now an annual event, catered for children between the ages of five and 11 from a catchment area that includes
Katsukunya, Mutambwe, Nyakabau, Gumbure and Manhemba.
“This occasion excites us a lot as the traditional leadership of this land,” said Headman Nyamutsahuni.
“Most children from this area are not exposed to a good life; they come from very poor backgrounds. Some of them have never experienced some of the good things that life can provide.
“We thank the Kanyongo family for this special gesture. Today (December 24) the children are all here dancing and eating.
“On behalf of the community, I am grateful for what the Kanyongo family, particularly Madam Choice, is doing.
“Gestures like these are good for the development of this area, they open up the minds of the little ones who start believing there is a better life out there if one perseveres.
“Traditionally, we have our own way of living, which is anchored on unity and sharing.
“At least it is refreshing to be attending occasions like these because of late, I have been busy with strange cases that are always popping up in this area.
“As the traditional leadership, we are worried about such kinds of behaviour. In our culture, we believe such uncouth behaviour disturbs the rainfall pattern, zvinokanganisa kunaya kwemvura,” said the headman.
“We have a case in the Charumbira area where a man had sexual intercourse with a cow. In that case, as per tradition, we kill the cow because it is now cursed, Inenge yatonyangara, then we fine the offender.
“This happened last week (second week of December).”
A member of the Kanyongo family, Mrs Joyce Munda-Kanyongo, explained the motive behind the annual Christmas treat.
“What motivated Choice (Kanyongo) to do this function is that she discovered that most children here in Mutoko are neglected and rarely are they remembered, especially on occasions like Christmas.
“Some children are even sent for cattle herding on Christmas Day. Some are even forced by the situation to tend to the fields on this special day.
“She then decided to come up with an idea of hosting annual Christmas parties for these children. Since the programme was launched, all the children look forward to this big occasion,” said Mrs Munda-Kanyongo. Mrs Faith Kanyongo, who is one of the few female village heads in the country, hailed the initiative.
“Maybe next year we will surpass 500 children. We are targeting a 1 000 kids next Christmas
“Some of the children come from different churches from the whole community. We are not being selective, as long as the child is between five and 11 years.
“In this era of the Covid-19 virus, we observed all the protocols like distancing and wearing of masks. The idea was also to bring back smiles to some children who lost their loved ones during a painful year,” said the village head, who is also a member of the Kanyongo family.