MARTIN MAWAYA
KWEKWE-The Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed the arrest of nine suspects in connection with the death of a 54-year-old woman, Micky Chuma, who was allegedly given a concoction to drink at a shrine in Mbizo, Kwekwe.
According to the Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, the incident occurred on June 18, 2025.
Insp Mahoko added that the suspects allegedly administered an opaque beer and snuff concoction to the deceased, claiming it would exorcise evil spirits.
After she went into a trance, the congregants poured water on her body and later took her to a fire place, where she unfortunately passed on.
The suspects are believed to have attempted to cover up the incident by taking the deceased’s body home and laying it on the bed.
However, the body was discovered by a neighbor, Tafadzwa Chemedza Matikiti, who reported the matter to the police.
The arrested suspects include Charity Mafirowanda, Talent Khumalo, Margret Zireba, Lyton Ndlovu, Admire Makota all from Mbizo, Kwekwe, Bongani Paraffin of Sotanyebo Village, Chief Malisa, Zhombe, Ronald Mandiedza of Village Chitsike, Chiendambuya, Arnold Mashiri of Rutendo, Redcliff and Pauline Banda of Broadlands Sanyati.
The suspects are currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing.
Inspector Mahoko urged members of the public to desist from administering or prescribing consumption of substances that are not certified safe, as it endangers life.
