A cleansing ceremony intended to enhance the spiritual powers of traditional healers in Chipazi village, Dotito, tragically ended in death after a well-respected herbalist succumbed to the effects of a potent concoction.
Gogo Emily Chiduwa, 67, a renowned sangoma known for assisting barren women in the Dotito area, passed away after consuming a brew prepared by another sangoma, Dorica Masunungure, 23.
The incident, which occurred sometime in September and only recently came to light, involved a traditional cleansing ritual using fermented local tobacco, known as chambwa or mbande. According to Provincial police spokesperson, Sergeant Major Samuel Chikasha, Masunungure was visiting her in-laws in Dotito when Chiduwa approached her seeking to bolster her healing abilities.
Chiduwa requested Masunungure’s assistance in a traditional ceremony to enhance her powers. Masunungure, agreeing to the request, prepared a concoction using the fermented tobacco. The procedure involved boiling the tobacco in a clay pot, resulting in a potent brew.
On October 2nd, at approximately 5 am, Masunungure administered the concoction to Chiduwa. Almost immediately, Chiduwa began to experience severe adverse effects. She started vomiting violently and suffered from incontinence. Although she rested for several hours, her condition worsened by 2 pm.
Family members rushed Chiduwa to Mt Darwin Hospital, but despite medical intervention, she tragically passed away at around 7 pm. The cause of death is believed to be directly related to the consumption of the traditional concoction.
Following the incident, Masunungure has been arrested and is currently facing culpable homicide charges. The case highlights the inherent risks associated with traditional healing practices and the importance of caution and expertise when undertaking such rituals.
