The prosecution cited the need to obtain a statement from the Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (Zinatha) and a video from cyber experts as the reasons for the delay.
The allegations against Mhandu, who is also known as Madame Stylist, first surfaced last week when two women, believed to be her former friends, filed a criminal complaint accusing her of witchcraft.
Police sources confirmed that Mhandu was invited to Glen View Police Station in connection with the matter.
While initial reports suggested she would be detained overnight, she was later released into the custody of her lawyer, given her fixed abode and the nature of the charges against her.
Police Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed that they were investigating the case. “Police are investigating a case indicating witchcraft and wizard allegations involving friends.
Further details will be released in due course,” said Insp Chakanza.
The complaint was filed under Section 98 of the criminal code, which addresses allegations of witchcraft and wizardry.
The law stipulates that anyone engaging in practices commonly associated with witchcraft, intending to cause harm and inspiring fear in the targeted individual, is liable to a fine not exceeding level ten, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
The law also clarifies that spoken or written words alone do not constitute witchcraft unless accompanied by other conduct commonly associated with it.
Furthermore, it states that the court cannot take judicial notice of any practice said to be commonly associated with witchcraft, but can rely on expert evidence from qualified individuals to determine whether the practice in question is indeed associated with witchcraft.
According to court papers, the saga began after Mhandu allegedly enlisted the help of her former maid, Elizabeth Mharire, 48, to cast a spell on a complainant.
Mhandu allegedly asked Mharire to accompany her to see her traditional healer, Christine Matashu, also known as Manjenjenje, in Glen View.
Mharire agreed, and the two proceeded to Matashu’s residence in Glen Norah, where they picked her up before heading to Churu Farm in Glen View.
It is alleged that Mhandu intended to cast a spell on the complainant at this location, following instructions from Matashu.
Upon arrival at a bushy area on the farm, Mhandu allegedly produced a red cloth and wrote several names on it, including Mwarianesu, Amanda, Ishmael, and Tariro Maumbe.
She then handed the cloth to Matashu, who tied snuff onto it.
Matashu instructed Mhandu to dig a hole and bury the cloth and a knife, known in Shona as “bakatwa,” while uttering her wishes.
Mhandu allegedly complied with these instructions.
The situation took a bizarre turn on July 5, when Mharire returned from town to find snuff scattered throughout her bedroom and on her belongings.
Confronting Mhandu, the socialite allegedly claimed that she had mistakenly dropped her snuff in the bedroom.
However, Mharire remained unconvinced, especially after finding more snuff on the toilet seat in her bathroom. 🔗 Read Full Article
All Zim News is a central hub for all things Zimbabwean, curating news from across the country so no story is missed.
Alongside aggregation, our team of nationwide reporters provides real-time, on-the-ground coverage.
Stay informed and connected — reach us at admin@allzimnews. com.
