The allure of wealth and the promise of fortune have tragically led to a string of drowning deaths across Zimbabwe, prompting a warning from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
The ZRP is deeply concerned about the rising number of drowning deaths, particularly those occurring during “manjuzu” rituals, a practice that has gained alarming popularity in recent years.
Between June and August 2024, a total of 29 people lost their lives in drowning incidents, according to the ZRP National Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
“Some of the cases occurred while victims were engaging in activities such as swimming, casting fishing nets, participating in rituals and bathing,” said Comm Nyathi.
One such tragic incident occurred on July 7th, 2024, in Domboshava, where a man drowned while performing manjuzu rituals at Garimo River in Chinamhora.
Another drowning was reported on August 20th, 2024, at Hazel Dine Farm Dam in Karoi, where a fisherman lost his life while casting nets. And on August 28th, 2024, a swimmer met a similar fate in the Chilonga River in Kamativi.
These recent deaths are a stark reminder of the dangers associated with water bodies, especially during the summer and rainy seasons. The ZRP urges the public to exercise extreme caution and adhere to safety measures when approaching water bodies.
The practice of manjuzu, a ritual believed to attract wealth and fortune, has seen a surge in popularity, particularly among women seeking financial success. The rituals often involve entering water bodies, typically dams or rivers, with spirit mediums, and offering gifts such as sweets, wines, eggs, and rice to appease the marine spirits.
One such dam, Seke Dam, formerly known as Prince Edward Dam, has earned the chilling moniker “Dam of Death” due to its high number of drowning deaths. The dam has become a focal point for manjuzu rituals, as well as other traditional ceremonies, attracting people from all walks of life.
The dam’s association with death and misfortune is deeply rooted. Last year, a love-struck picnicker drowned in the dam, mirroring the tragic events at Epworth’s notorious “Pool of Death.”
However, for residents of Mayambara Village, which shares the dam’s vicinity, Seke Dam offers more than just water; it is a lifeline, a source of dreams, a recreational facility, and above all, it is home to mermaids.
To them, the dam is death personified, its stillness deceiving, its ripples a constant reminder of the danger lurking beneath the surface. Ritual visits to the dam are now in vogue, driven by the insatiable pursuit of riches.
Mike Dzvimbe, known locally as Sparkaman, is a resident of Mayambara Village and a frequent visitor to the dam. He confirms that the dam is haunted, stating, “A lot of deaths occur here, with victims of drowning being discovered by swimmers. There are also reports of mermaids. Recently, we retrieved the body of a man who drowned while swimming.”
Dzvimbe also confirms that elders from the area witnessed signs of a mermaid after the man’s death. He further highlights the dangers of the dam, especially when full, stating that “some people who use tyre tubes to fish also end up dead. It is a dangerous dam, especially when it is full. Each year at least five people drown.”
Another resident, Josiah Tongogara, who frequents the dam, corroborates Dzvimbe’s account, stating that manjuzu rituals are a common feature at the dam, along with traditional healers and members of apostolic sects who perform various rituals.
The dam was once fenced off and guarded by security personnel, but the barricade has since been vandalised, leaving the dam vulnerable to those seeking to perform rituals or simply enjoy its waters.
The tragic deaths associated with manjuzu rituals highlight the need for greater awareness about the dangers of water bodies and the importance of safety precautions.
The ZRP’s warning underpins the notion that the pursuit of wealth should never come at the cost of life. As the country prepares for the summer and rainy season, it is crucial for individuals to exercise caution and prioritize their safety when venturing near water bodies.
In March of this year, a Harare man named Tapiwa Makunungunu, who resided in Glen Norah C, Harare, went to a dam at Stone Hurst Farm for a traditional manjuzu ceremony. The farm is in the Somerby area, close to Snake World.
Tapiwa’s friends and relatives spent the whole night where he drowned, holding a traditional ceremony, playing drums and mbira, begging the marine spirits to return him, but never resurfaced.
It was only then that reality crept in, and the people panicked. They reported the case to the police, resulting in the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Sub Aqua Unit initiating a rescue operation. The police retrieved Tapiwa’s body the following day on 4 March 2024.
