Death by denial: 69-year-old Chivi man dies after refusing to confess to witchcraft

CHIVI – A 69-year-old man died mysteriously on November 26, 2024, at his homestead in Chibaya Village, Chivi, after a witch hunter (tsikamutanda) accused him of possessing goblins during a cleansing ceremony.

In a dramatic turn of events, Solomon Geja vehemently rejected allegations of practicing witchcraft when a tsikamutanda publicly challenged him to renounce his supposed magical tools during a cleansing ritual held at his homestead.

Proceeding nonetheless, the tsikamutanda continued with the rituals, but in a shocking and sudden turn of events, Geja collapsed and died instantly, with no final words or cries for help.

Masvingo acting Provincial Police Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu confirmed that the family invited a tsikamutanda for a cleansing ceremony following a spate of misfortunes allegedly blamed on Geja.

A tsikamutanda from Ngundu was summoned to perform a ritual, where he confronted Geja and demanded a confession. However, Geja vehemently refused, and moments later, tragedy struck as he collapsed and died on the spot.

Police from Mashava attended the scene and transported Geja’s body to Masvingo Provincial Hospital, where a post-mortem examination was scheduled to determine the cause of death.

-THE MIDWEEK WATCH