Scorpion With Five Babies Stings Harare Woman in Her Sleep — Mysteriously Vanishes After Being Killed
HARARE – A 41-year-old woman from Ushewokunze in Harare is suffering from a severe skin condition and swelling after being stung by a scorpion she claims had five offspring clinging to its back.
The incident occurred last week while she was sleeping alone.
Cynthia Tanana, originally from Chadereka Village under Chief Kasekete in Muzarabani, says the scorpion mysteriously disappeared after she killed it and sealed it inside a container of water.
“I felt a sharp sting on my side around 11 PM, and when I checked under my pillow, I saw a scorpion with five babies on its back.
“I struck it with a key until it died, including the young ones, and placed them in a container of water. I sealed it, intending to burn them the following day,” said Tanana.
To her surprise, the container was empty the next morning despite having been tightly closed.
“From that moment, I began experiencing intense burning and chest pain. Blisters formed and started oozing pus. I sought medical attention and received injections, but the pain has persisted,” she said.
Tanana has since consulted traditional healers and prophets, who believe the scorpion may have been linked to witchcraft.
“I was informed that the scorpion was not ordinary and that I may have encountered something spiritual.
“My bones are aching, and the arm that was stung feels numb and constantly tingles. It has darkened since the incident,” she said.
Widowed in 2010 following the murder of her husband, Tanana earns a living through laundry services and informal jobs to support her three children, who are currently unable to attend school due to financial challenges.
“I am no longer able to work because my arm is swollen and I suffer from persistent headaches,” she said.
She added that she struggles to sleep at night due to the pain and cannot afford the medication required to complete her treatment.
“Each injection costs US$9, and I have no one to assist me. Both my parents are deceased, and I was expelled from my husband’s family after refusing to be inherited.
“My children do not have birth certificates because my husband passed away before registering them,” she said.
Tanana, who holds a Nurse Aid certificate and a valid passport, believes she could support her family if her health improved.
“I could travel and purchase goods for resale. If I receive help — whether from traditional healers, prophets, or qualified medical professionals — I can rebuild my life,” she said.
Zinatha president George Kandiero encouraged Tanana to continue seeking assistance from all available avenues.
“This illness appears to have spiritual origins, so she should consult both traditional and medical practitioners.
“While it is unclear whether a scorpion can carry offspring on its back, people use various creatures in witchcraft. She must explore every possible option,” Kandiero said.
-Afrogazette
