What began as a spiritual journey ended in terror for three women in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe, who say they fled n@ked through a forest after a cleansing ritual with a Goromonzi-based sangoma turned threatening.
The women, Pamela Bako, Shillah Mabvudzi, and another identified only as Talent, allege they were taken to a mountain by a traditional healer known as Sekuru Sinaro. There, they were reportedly given herbs to ingest, bathe with, and wash their hands in. But the retreat soon descended into fear when they suspected they were being set up for s3xual assault.
Speaking to H-Metro, Pamela said she grew suspicious after overhearing Sekuru Sinaro’s two male aides whispering about the women in a manner that suggested an imminent attack. The sangoma had allegedly left them under the pretext of returning later, leaving the women alone with the men.
Pamela said “we had gone for a cleansing ceremony, but it ended badly after we were given some medicines to bathe, drink, and wash our hands with. We questioned why we had to view a mirror in a dark room while being watched by two men. Sekuru had left, and the men forced us to stay.”
Pamela, who had her baby with her, said she refused to sleep at the shrine and was disturbed by one of the aides who remarked that Sekuru could pay her rent, a comment she interpreted as suggestive and inappropriate.
“They were planning to treat us as their wives overnight,” she said. “That’s when we ran into the forest, in different directions, around 7 p.m. I found my way to the main road and eventually made it to Harare. It was horrifying; I regret ever going there.”
Shillah’s escape led her to the doorstep of Apostle Blessed Mugwambeni’s home, where her arrival stirred panic. The family, deep in prayer that night, suspected her of witchcraft upon seeing her half-n@ked at the gate.
“We were preparing for bed around 11 p.m. when we heard her calling for help,” said the apostle. “Given that we had been praying against witches, we initially feared the worst. But after hearing her story, we gave her clothes and tried to take her to the police. Unfortunately, there were no female officers, and the male officers refused to assist.”
Shillah, still visibly shaken, said the lack of female presence at the shrine had raised red flags early on, and they attempted to leave, but were stopped.
“We were shocked to find no women at the shrine,” she said. “When we tried to go back, Sekuru’s aides blocked us. We ran away, leaving behind our phones. I was lucky to find help at a nearby house.”
The women’s account has sparked outrage in Chitungwiza and beyond, raising concerns over the conduct of some traditional healers and the vulnerability of those seeking spiritual help. Authorities are yet to confirm any arrests or investigation related to the incident.
