By A Correspondent – Religious and traditional leaders have joined forces in calling for a spiritual cleansing ceremony along the Harare–Chitungwiza highway, amid growing concern over a disturbing increase in fatal road accidents on the stretch.
The move comes after a string of horrific crashes in recent months, with many residents and commuters expressing fear and unease about the highway, which connects the capital to one of the country’s busiest dormitory towns.
Speaking to state media on Tuesday, a prominent church leader said the accidents were no longer just a matter of traffic regulation but also pointed to deeper spiritual issues.
“We cannot ignore the spiritual implications anymore,” the leader said. “This road has become a site of bloodshed. We believe there are forces that need to be confronted and cleansed spiritually.”
Traditional leaders echoed the sentiments, warning that the land may be harbouring unsettled ancestral spirits or lingering spiritual disturbances stemming from past events.
“It is no longer just a black spot.
There is something beyond human error going on here,” said one headman from the Chitungwiza area. “As custodians of the land, we are ready to work with churches to appease the spirits and restore peace.”
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Harare–Chitungwiza road has recorded an alarming spike in accidents, many of them involving public transport. Just last week, a crash near Manyame Bridge claimed 17 lives, followed days later by another accident a few kilometres away that left several seriously injured.
Local residents have since started to push for not only tighter road safety measures, but also for spiritual intervention.
Community leaders say the cleansing ceremony will involve both Christian prayer and traditional rituals, symbolising unity across faiths in addressing the crisis.
“We will not just pray, we will also pour libations, beat drums, and perform rituals,” said a traditional healer involved in the initiative. “This is not superstition — it is part of acknowledging our spiritual reality.”
The date for the ceremony is expected to be announced soon, with organisers encouraging participation from all sections of society — religious groups, transport associations, civic leaders, and affected families.
Source: Zimeye
