Sacred Waters Claim Life During Gold Ritual at Nyachowa Falls

What began as a spiritual quest for wealth ended in tragedy when Vernon Ndemanzvi (31), a ritualist from Hore Village under Chief Zvimba in Chinhoyi, drowned in the sacred waters of Nyachowa Falls on September 14.

He had entered the pool with three companions to perform manjuzu rituals aimed at enhancing their gold mining venture.

His body resurfaced five days later, sparking cleansing ceremonies, community shock, and renewed warnings from traditional leaders about respecting sacred customs.

The discovery of his body marked a turning point — shifting the narrative from spiritual mystery to a sobering reality.

Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, confirmed the incident.

“Ndemanzvi drowned while performing a ritual ceremony with his younger brother, Ryan Tinofara Hore (21), of Chitungwiza, and two other men. During the ceremony, the deceased ventured into the deep-end and drowned.”

The body, found floating near ZRP Chitakatira Post, showed no visible injuries and was taken to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital for post-mortem.

The results confirmed drowning, contradicting initial beliefs that he had been taken by mermaids.

Nyachowa Falls, located 12km from Mutare, is steeped in spiritual significance and folklore, including tales of mermaids and hidden treasures.

Following the incident, traditional leaders led by Headman Chigodora closed the site to visitors and began preparations for cleansing rituals.

“We will be conducting the cleansing ceremony this weekend. We are brewing the traditional beer for the cleansing rituals,” he said.

Despite Ndemanzvi’s reputation as a frequent ritual leader at the falls, Headman Chigodora expressed disappointment.

“Regrettably, in this instance, the deceased was drinking beer and should not have been near the water. His untimely death was not attributed to mythical creatures, such as mermaids, but rather to reckless behaviour.”

Garikai Chidano, one of the site overseers, witnessed the group’s arrival and raised concerns.

“The man, who later drowned, was the ritualist, accompanied by his younger brother and two gold miners seeking to enhance their wealth.

“I informed them that we prohibit items like alcohol and rice at the falls. Upon their arrival, I noticed that the ritualist was intoxicated.

Chidano added, “He immediately entered the water, appearing to struggle, but his brother insisted that we leave him, claiming he possessed extraordinary abilities regarding water.”

Initial beliefs that Ndemanzvi had been spiritually taken prompted traditional leaders to engage healers and family members in rituals to retrieve him.

“His brother, who was consistently sniffing snuff at the falls, insisted that his brother had been taken by mermaids.

“We performed our rituals and were advised that his blood relatives who were not present at the time should lead the rituals. They brought fellow manjuzu and healers to assist, but their efforts were fruitless,” said Headman Chigodora.

Among those consulted was Mbuya Machuma, a respected traditional healer.

Ndemanzvi’s mother and wife were also involved in the rituals.

“We advised them not to cry, as we hoped for his return. However, when we accompanied them for the rituals, we discovered that his body had resurfaced,” said Headman Chigodora.

He added that the post-mortem confirmed drowning.

“His body had turned grey and developed blisters, indicating he had drowned. It was not a mermaid that killed him. If it had been, his body would have remained warm, and blood would have oozed from his nose and mouth.”

Local tour guide Tadiwanashe Matongera revealed that the group refused to pay the full entrance fee.

“They were required to pay US$8 for the four of them, but they became aggressive and only paid US$3. I was compelled to admit them.

“It was not his first visit – he was familiar with me by name – as he frequently brought clients to perform rituals at the falls.”

Ndemanzvi was buried in Chitungwiza on Monday.

His death has reignited debate over the sanctity of Nyachowa Falls and the importance of observing traditional protocols.

As cleansing rituals continue, community leaders are urging visitors to respect the spiritual significance of the site and avoid actions that may provoke its guardians.

-Manicapost