Harare Father Accused Of Forcing Wife And Daughter Into Dark Rituals Faces Court Sanction
A Harare woman and her daughter have been granted protection orders by the civil court against their husband and father, who is accused of forcing them into non-consensual traditional rituals, verbal abuse and physical threats.
Magistrate Meenal Narotam issued the orders after hearing the case brought by Onisco Chipanga and her daughter, Calisca, regarding alleged abuse by Try Chipanga.
Calisca testified that her father forced her to participate in a ritual at a river, during which a traditional healer pushed her into the water without her consent.
She stated, “He believes Iam possessed and he blames me for his failures, calling me a witch and repeatedly telling me to leave his house.”
She further alleged ongoing verbal harassment and that her father often holds her responsible for his personal setbacks.
Onisco supported her daughter’s claims, sharing her experiences of verbal abuse, physical threats and invasive behavior by her husband.
She detailed an incident in January when he assaulted her, prompting intervention from their children.
Onisco also accused Try of monitoring her phone and conversations, suspecting that she was conspiring against him.
The court heard additional testimony from Onisco about a bottle of blood that Try brought home, demanding the family use it for a cleansing ritual.
When the family refused, Try reportedly smashed household items and ordered them out of the house.
Onisco and her children sought refuge at her sister’s residence in Harare for safety, as reported by The Herald.
Magistrate Narotam barred Try from initiating rituals without consent and evicting his family.
Try did not attend the proceedings.
The ruling underscores the importance of Harare Civil Court in addressing cases of domestic abuse intertwined with cultural practices, providing victims a legal avenue for protection and justice.
