Mutasa Marriage Crumbles Under Madzimai’s Witchcraft Claims — Chief Mutasa Demands Independent Review

A young couple’s marriage in Zengeni Village has crumbled under explosive witchcraft allegations leveled by Madzimai Clara — prompting Chief Mutasa to demand an independent review and condemn spiritual manipulation.

The case, recently heard at the traditional court in Mutasa, involves claims that Lucia Kachikombe was possessed by an evil spirit, caused her mother‑in‑law’s death, and plotted to harm her sister‑in‑law using stolen underwear.

Chief Mutasa directed the Machiwana family to consult three independent spiritual or traditional healers and to restore the couple’s union if the allegations are disproved.

He warned that fear‑driven decisions were tearing the family apart.

Kachikombe testified that her ordeal began when her sister‑in‑law, following advice from the prophetess, summoned her to a shrine.

“I got married into the Machiwana family in January last year. Everything was fine until my sister‑in‑law started consulting Madzimai Clara. One day she returned and said Clara wanted to see me,” she said.

A cleansing ritual was later conducted at a river after Clara demanded specific items, including a red cloth. “She told me I had an evil spirit and said I was a witch,” said Kachikombe.

Clara gave her spiritual instructions and requested ritual items. “My husband said he couldn’t live with a witch. They accused me of stealing my sister‑in‑law’s panties to bewitch her. That was the beginning of our collapse.”

Despite the grim predictions, Kachikombe later delivered a healthy baby and her husband remained unharmed.

Her mother, Emma Musere, supported her account and said she too was summoned to the shrine.

“Clara told me my daughter was possessed by an evil spirit inherited from her aunt. At the time, she was pregnant. Clara said the child wouldn’t survive and that both the baby and her husband would die if the spirit wasn’t removed. I was terrified,” said Musere.

The family turned to the court seeking clarity and redress for the damage done.

The couple testified that social fallout escalated after the accusations, and that attempts at reconciliation were met with resistance.

Pressure from relatives and mounting community suspicion forced them to separate.

Tawanda Machiwana said it was family pressure — not personal conviction that drove the separation.

“I never called her a witch myself. But yes, it’s true Clara made the accusations. My family acted on that and I was pressured to send my wife packing. We’re back together now, but the whole family has rejected us,” he said.

He asked the court to guide the process of restoring ties.

His elder brother, Zvichawei Machiwana, explained the family’s belief stemmed from tragedy.

“We were told that if Lucia didn’t miscarry, our mother would die. And sure enough, our mother collapsed and died suddenly. After that, we believed everything Clara said. We thought her death confirmed the prophecy,” he said.

Grief and fear, he added, shaped the family’s decisions.

When questioned in court, Madzimai Clara denied labeling Kachikombe a witch or prescribing rituals.

“I was with another prophetess, Madzimai Alice, who’s not here to testify. All I said was that Lucia had previously miscarried and was at risk. I never called her a witch”, she insisted.

“I asked her to bring her parents so we could save her unborn baby. The fact that the child is alive proves our prayers worked,” she added.

Madzibaba Chamunorwa, who interprets Clara’s prophecies, backed her version.

“She was instructed to bring both her parents for spiritual support. When they arrived, it was revealed her mother carried an evil spirit. Later, when we heard her mother‑in‑law had died and Lucia skipped the funeral, the community blamed her.”

Delivering judgment, Chief Mutasa blasted Clara for stoking division and urged families to reject superstition.

“This case shows you’re being manipulated by Madzimai Clara. You’ve abandoned your daughter‑in‑law based on fear and one woman’s word.

“You must stop making decisions that destroy homes based on spiritual hearsay,” he said.

He ordered that before any further action is taken, three independent spiritual or traditional authorities must examine the claims.

“If all three confirm Lucia’s innocence, I instruct you to reunite Lucia and her husband and restore their marriage. Right now, you’re acting on one woman’s prophecy and the consequences are tragic.”

The court adjourned with instructions to verify the spiritual claims — a ruling that may yet heal or deepen the family’s wounds in Zengeni.