In a harrowing incident that unfolded in Domboshava, a woman narrowly escaped a tragic fate when the kitchen hut she was sleeping in was set ablaze by her cousin, who accused her of being a witch.
The distressing event occurred on October 20, sending shockwaves through the community.
The accused, a 37-year-old named Mica Jacob, attributed the act to his belief that his aunt, Brandina Paraziva (75), had caused the death of his unborn child. Jacob appeared before Harare magistrate Ms Ethel Chichera, facing charges of malicious damage to property. He pleaded guilty and was subsequently convicted. The sentencing is scheduled to take place today.
According to the State’s account, on the aforementioned day at approximately 10:15 p.m., Jacob, who resides in Taziva Village under Chief Chinamora, visited his aunt’s homestead. He forcibly entered the kitchen hut by breaking down the wooden door using an unidentified object. Alarmed by the commotion, the elderly woman inquired about the source of the noise.
Jacob, in response, admitted to breaking the door and expressed his intention to set the kitchen on fire, accusing his aunt of causing the demise of his unborn child.
Fortunately, the quick-thinking granny managed to escape from the room and sought refuge at the village head’s house while the kitchen was consumed by flames. She received assistance in filing a police report, leading to the subsequent arrest of Jacob.
