A desperate mother is appealing for help in locating her 17-year-old son, Tadiwanashe Zisengwe Mbofana, who vanished after allegedly being taken by a Johane Masowe eChishanu prophet from Chitungwiza.
The prophet, who also maintains a residence in Dhonoro, Epworth, is accused of abducting the teenager under the guise of offering him employment as a domestic worker. The case has sparked widespread concern and highlights the vulnerability of young people in the face of exploitation.
Tadiwanashe, the eldest of two children, lived with his mother, Jesca Mabara (42), in Green Valley, Maruva, Epworth. The family hails originally from Sabhuku Chitsunge’s area in Buhera.
According to Mabara, her son had a prior relationship with the prophet, having previously assisted him with selling eggs in Harare. This seemingly innocuous connection took a sinister turn when the prophet took Tadiwanashe to his Chitungwiza home on 1 November of last year.
“This man, a prophet, attended the Masowe church with my son in Epworth. He used my son to sell eggs in Harare. He then took my son, saying he needed him to work at his home in Chitungwiza. Since he took my son on 1 November last year, he hasn’t contacted me,” Mabara recounted.
The last time Mabara spoke to her son was on 2 December. During that brief conversation, Tadiwanashe requested blankets, indicating a lack of adequate provisions at his new location. This was the last communication she received from him. His phone has remained switched off ever since.
When Mabara questioned the prophet about her son’s silence, she received a dismissive response.
“After that, I couldn’t reach him; his phone was always off. I asked the prophet why my son’s phone was always off, and he told me that my son had left his home a month earlier. Two women from the prophet’s house later told me that my son had allegedly stolen a gas tank and blankets before leaving,” she explained.
Adding to the mother’s distress, a neighbour from the prophet’s home contacted her, revealing that Tadiwanashe had gone without food for two days prior to his disappearance. The neighbour also mentioned that the teenager was not fulfilling his duties satisfactorily. These accounts paint a picture of neglect and potential mistreatment.
Further compounding the mystery, Mabara’s sister in Mutare contacted her with alarming information.
“While searching for my son, my sister in Mutare called, saying she saw Tadiwanashe’s picture on a WhatsApp group. The picture showed him severely beaten, with facial swelling, a bloody nose, and swollen eyes. The group message apparently said ‘Christmas Box’. They sent me the picture showing my severely injured son. We don’t know who beat him, whether it was the people he was working for or someone else,” Mabara stated.
The photograph depicts Tadiwanashe with visible injuries, raising serious concerns about his well-being and the possibility of physical abuse. Mabara confronted the prophet about the image, but he denied any knowledge of it or of Tadiwanashe’s current location.
Mabara has since reported the matter to the ZRP Domboramwari police station.
“While searching for my son, I reported the matter to ZRP Domboramwari police station for assistance. The prophet was called in and told the police he had no information about my son’s whereabouts. The police told me to wait a week before returning to the station,” she said.
Despite repeated attempts, Kwayedza was unable to reach the prophet for comment. Meanwhile, Mabara continues her desperate search, her anguish palpable. She described her son as a gentle and responsible young man who does not consume alcohol.
“It’s been two months without knowing where my son is. This has prevented me from working, as I sell various goods at Mbare market. I desperately need to know if he’s alive or dead to find peace. Anyone who can help can contact me on 0711 318 651,” she pleaded.
She has exhausted all avenues, contacting relatives in Mutoko and Buhera without success. The police investigation is ongoing, but the mother’s desperate plea underscores the urgent need for swift action to locate Tadiwanashe and bring those responsible to justice.
