Bulawayo – The hushed whispers of “mubobobo” have set tongues wagging, or rather, a series of tremours, in the New Harrisvale suburb of the Bulawayo where a 38-year-old woman, Jenita Chabata, has filed for divorce, citing a chilling accusation against her estranged husband, Brighton Nhidza, B-Metro has reported.
Chabata claims to have witnessed, through a vision, Nhidza using a potent sex charm known as “mubobobo” on her, a practice shrouded in mystery and fear in many Zimbabwean communities.
The term “mubobobo” evokes a sense of unease, conjuring up images of unseen forces and manipulative practices. It is believed to be a powerful charm, enabling a man to have sexual intercourse with a woman without physical contact. The woman, unaware of the manipulation, may experience physical sensations, such as ejaculation or orgasm, but remains oblivious to the actual perpetrator.
Chabata’s claims are deeply unsettling, painting a picture of a marriage poisoned by the dark arts. She alleges that in her vision, she saw Nhidza holding a creature resembling a snake, alongside a doll representing her, while repeatedly touching his private parts. The vision, she says, left her shaken to the core.
“After that shocking confession we ultimately divorced because I did not practice witchcraft as he had assumed,” Chabata told the B-Metro. “Every time I pass near his vending stall, he starts touching his private parts non-stop and I start feeling funny movements from my stomach to private parts even though we divorced five years back.”
Chabata’s accusations go beyond the alleged “mubobobo” incident. She also accuses Nhidza of colluding with her parents to cast a spell on her, leading to a series of misfortunes in her life. This claim, if true, adds a layer of complexity to the already contentious situation, suggesting a deep-seated bitterness and resentment within the family.
Nhidza, however, vehemently denies Chabata’s accusations. He claims that their separation stemmed from domestic violence, with Chabata filing a protection order against him in 2018. He asserts that Chabata is fabricating the “mubobobo” claims to prevent him from gaining custody of their children, stating that he was granted custody on March 27th of this year.
“I won custody of the children, but she refused to give them to me. She comes to my workplace daily, accusing me of witchcraft,” Nhidza said.
He further alleges that their two children dropped out of school two years ago, kept locked indoors by Chabata, who he claims is trying to “fix” him. Nhidza’s accusations paint a picture of a desperate father, yearning for his children and seeking to protect them from what he perceives as his ex-wife’s manipulative behaviour.
The case highlights the delicate balance between personal beliefs and legal proceedings. While Chabata’s claims of “mubobobo” may be difficult to prove in a court of law, they raise important questions about the role of traditional beliefs and practices in modern Zimbabwean society.
