Mutare – A chilling incident has gripped the Burma Valley community near Mutare, leaving residents shaken and raising serious concerns about the resurgence of witchcraft practices. Honest Tokodo, a 31-year-old local man, is recovering from a brutal attack that left him with a severed tongue, part of which was taken by his attackers.
The attack, which occurred on Wednesday evening at the Chitakatira Business Centre, involved four individuals, including a woman named Greater Mateta. Mr Tokodo was drinking with his assailants when the attack took place. According to Mr Tokodo, the motive for the attack stemmed from an accusation of infidelity. The attackers alleged that he was having an affair with Ms Mateta, who was formerly involved with one of the attackers.
The details of the assault are deeply disturbing. Mr Tokodo recounted the events from his parents’ home in Burma Valley, where he is currently recovering.
He described the attack in his own words: “I’m still shocked that people I had been drinking with all day would choose to try and kill me. It’s a miracle I’m alive. I went to Chitakatira Business Centre for a few drinks after dropping off some goods at home. I know one of the four attackers, known as Mazondo (Forget Mutepfa).
“They bought me drinks and we drank together. It was around 3 pm. At 10 pm, I left the bar to go home, and on my way, I was ambushed by these people.
“They accused me of having an affair with Mateta, who was also present. I managed to identify them. They produced a sharp object before cutting off a large piece of my tongue.
“I managed to escape and ran home, telling my wife that I had been attacked. I was in excruciating pain and bleeding heavily. I was taken to a local clinic before being rushed to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital, where I received treatment that night. It’s a lie that I had an affair with Mateta,” he stated.
The brutality of the attack is compounded by the fact that the attackers vanished with the severed portion of Mr Tokodo’s tongue. They took nothing else from him, leaving behind his mobile phone and any other possessions. This detail has fuelled speculation that the attack was not a simple assault, but rather a ritualistic act possibly linked to witchcraft.
Mr Tokodo himself voiced his suspicions, stating: “I’m convinced this was a targeted attack linked to witchcraft. They didn’t take anything else or beat me. They were solely focused on cutting off my tongue. Why? And I don’t know where they took it.”
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting widespread fear and unease. The brazen nature of the attack and the apparent ritualistic element have heightened anxieties about the safety and security of residents. The police investigation is ongoing, and the community awaits answers.
The police have made some progress in their investigation. Two suspects, Forget Mutepfa (35) and Greater Mateta (29), have been apprehended and charged with assault under Section 89 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, Chapter 9.23. They appeared before Magistrate Xavier Chipato at the Mutare Magistrates’ Court and are currently remanded in custody, awaiting their next court appearance. The search for the remaining two assailants continues.
