A prominent 72-year-old Apostolic prophet, Tamunya Zvakavapano, is embroiled in a bitter family dispute that has spilled into the Harare Civil Court.
His three children, Alice, Asaya, and Abhasthi, accuse him of practicing witchcraft, claiming his alleged dark arts are responsible for the family’s misfortunes, including the mental illness of one of his children. The accusations have led to escalating threats of violence and a desperate plea for protection.
The rift between Zvakavapano and his children has deepened to the point where he claims they are threatening to kill him unless he complies with their demands. These demands centre on his alleged responsibility for the mental health struggles of one of his children, Abhasthi.
The children insist that their father must seek traditional healing for Abhasthi, implying that he is the cause of the illness. This belief, coupled with other unresolved family issues, has fuelled the escalating conflict.
Zvakavapano detailed a series of alleged attacks by his children, painting a picture of escalating aggression and intimidation. He recounted an incident on August 18th where Abhasthi, accompanied by five men, allegedly attacked his home, throwing stones, breaking windows and doors, and shouting, “muroyi ngaafe” (the witch must die).
He reported this incident to the police, and the perpetrators are currently serving community service as a result. He also claimed that Alice and Asaya hired a traditional healer (sangoma) without his consent, leading to further confrontation. The alleged attacks highlight the seriousness of the situation and the level of animosity within the family.
In court, the children maintained their accusations, asserting that their father’s refusal to seek help for the family’s problems is proof of his guilt.
They stated: “Our father’s refusal to seek help proves his guilt. We have every right to call him a witch and threaten him because he cannot use us for rituals for him to make money.
“Until he decides to comply with our demands, the court would be a witness to what will happen. We are concerned about our siblings’ well-being and we do not care what he does with his prostitutes.”
Their statement reveals a deep-seated distrust and resentment towards their father, further complicating the already tense situation.
Madzibaba Zvakavapano, however, denies all accusations of witchcraft and blames his children for the breakdown of their relationship.
He stated in court: “My children are threatening to kill me unless I comply with their demands. They insist I should consult traditional healers to treat my mentally unwell child, implying I am the one who caused the sickness.
“Alice and Asaya hired a sangoma, without my consent, and this led to a confrontation. On August 18, Abhasthi came to my house in the company of five men shouting and throwing stones at my house. They broke my windows and doors shouting ‘muroyi ngaafe’.”
His account underscores the severity of the threats he faces and the desperate need for intervention. He also mentioned that one of his children, Abhasthi, hired five bouncers to attack him.
The case highlights the complex interplay of religious beliefs, family dynamics, and accusations of witchcraft within Zimbabwean society. The children’s accusations, while serious, are not substantiated by evidence presented in court thus far.
Magistrate Meenal Narotam, recognised the gravity of the situation and granted Zvakavapano a protection order, instructing the children to seek peaceful resolution of their differences.
The order aims to prevent further violence and encourage a more constructive approach to resolving the family conflict.
