Armed robbers pose as patients, steal R3,000 from traditional healer
In a disturbing incident, two armed robbers targeted a traditional healer by posing as patients in need of spiritual services. The suspects, Jerry Wonder Siziba (28) and Cohen Muleya, recently appeared before the Beitbridge Magistrates’ Court, facing charges of robbery.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the accused individuals approached the traditional healer and her male relative on January 11, 2024, pretending to seek spiritual healing. They demanded cash from the healer and subjected her to physical assault. During the ordeal, one of the robbers brandished a gun, forcing the healer to surrender ZAR3,000.
“It was the State’s case that on the 11th of January 2024, the accused persons pounced on the complainant, a traditional healer who was in the company of her male relative, pretending to be seeking spiritual healing services. They demanded cash from the complainant and assaulted her all over the body. One of the accused persons pointed a gun at the complainant whereupon surrendered ZAR3 000,” the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said.
The duo also took the traditional healer’s relative’s phone and were caught after they were seen at a business centre.
“The accused persons fled the scene when they noticed the complainant’s neighbour approaching the homestead. The following day, the complainants who were making a follow-up on the accused persons positively identified Siziba at Mutetengwe Business Centre and reported him to the police, leading to his arrest. A spot search on Siziba led to the recovery of the complainant’s Mobicel phone from his pocket. He implicated the second accused person,” the NPAZ said.
Siziba was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment, while Muleya was acquitted.
