NINE people have been arrested in connection with the death of a 54-year-old woman who died after allegedly consuming a concoction at a shrine in Mbizvo, Kwekwe, recently.
Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the death of Micky Chuma of Mbizo, Kwekwe in the Midlands province in a suspected murder case. He said Chuma visited a local shrine for prayers at approximately 7pm on June 18 before the incident.
“During the session, she was reportedly given a mixture of opaque beer and snuff to drink. The concoction was said to be intended to exorcise evil spirits,” Mahoko said.
Mahoko said soon after consumption, Chuma is said to have gone into a trance and in an attempt to restore her to normalcy, the congregants allegedly poured water on her until she became unconscious.
They then moved her to a fireplace in an effort to warm her, but she sadly died.
“It is suspected that the group, in an attempt to alter the narrative surrounding her death, transported the deceased’s body to her home. They allegedly laid her on a bed and covered her with blankets,” he said.
Mahoko said Chuma’s body was later discovered by Tafadzwa Matikiti (42), who was doing house chores before the matter was reported to the police.
He identified the nine suspects as Charity Mafirowanda (46), Talent Khumalo (42), Bongani Paraffin (33) Admire Makota (23), Ronald Mandiedza (24), Margret Zireba (21), Lyton Ndlovu (19), Arnold Mashiri (23) and Pauline Banda (33).
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Mahoko said investigations into the matter were ongoing.
“As police we urged the public to refrain from administering or prescribing unverified substances, as doing so poses serious risks to life,” he said.
