It was all an act: Sangoma fakes trapping a witch to lure more clients

THE Mufakose ‘witch’ story, which made headlines yesterday, has taken a turn.

On Sunday, a sangoma and a lady discovered naked in her garden were detained for faking spiritual powers.

The event was staged by the sangoma, Kudzai Chifombo, and the woman found naked, Idah Febi Zimbani.

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They intended to make it appear as if Chifombo possessed supernatural abilities in order to attract more clients, H Metro reports.

Idah told the police that Chifombo promised her money if she pretended to be a witch trapped by her powers in order to increase her clientele.

She had not gotten the secret sum of money that Chifombo had promised her in exchange for walking naked in her garden.

Some residents have been sceptical of Chifombo for some time.

And she decided to set up the “witch trap” in order to persuade them.

Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, said the two were jointly charged with public indecency.

“Police arrested a Mufakose woman together with an Epworth woman for public indecency,” said Insp Chakanza.

“The Epworth woman claimed she was paid to pretend to be a witch, who had fallen off a winnowing basket while on a mission to eat human flesh, at a funeral in Mt Darwin.

“The two appeared at the Mbare Magistrates’ Court yesterday charged with public indecency.”

Idah was not asked to plead when she appeared before Mbare magistrate Jacqueline Gara.

The court heard that Idah, who stays in Epworth, went to a house in Mufakose.

The owner of the house, Kudzai Chifombo, saw the naked Zimbani and called the police who came and dispersed the crowd which had gathered at her house.

She went to the police station where she informed the police of what she had seen at her house.

After being interrogated, Idah allegedly stated that she was part of a syndicate, featuring Chifombo and one Winnet Chipangaipe, to boost their traditional healing business.

Blessing Chibowere prosecuted.