Kwekwe – Norest Ndhlovu (29) of Qagani village, Chief Malisa in Silobela, has been remanded in custody, his fate hanging in the balance not only before the courts of law, but also, according to traditional beliefs, before the avenging spirit of his deceased wife. Ndhlovu stands accused of forcing his wife to drink poison during a domestic dispute, a horrific act that ultimately led to her death months later.
Ndhlovu appeared before the Kwekwe Magistrates’ Court facing a murder charge and was remanded in custody to April 17, 2025, as investigations continue into the tragic circumstances surrounding the death. The case has sent ripples of grief and unease through the Silobela community, not just for the loss of life, but also for the potential spiritual repercussions that may follow.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the incident occurred on May 17, 2024, at around 9 pm. It is alleged that Ndhlovu assaulted his wife during a domestic dispute before forcibly administering a poisonous substance. The woman was hospitalised but later discharged, only to experience a prolonged period of suffering, shuffling in and out of hospital, until she finally succumbed to the poison’s effects on March 4, 2025.
Beyond the confines of the courtroom and the legal proceedings that lie ahead, the spectre of “ngozi” looms large over this case. In many African cultures, particularly amongst the Shona people, the concept of “ngozi” is a powerful and deeply respected belief. It is believed that when a person dies unjustly, their spirit may return to seek retribution against those responsible for their demise. This avenging spirit, known as “ngozi,” can bring misfortune, illness, and even death upon the perpetrator and their family until appeasement is made.
The traditional method of appeasing an “ngozi” involves offering compensation to the deceased’s family, a process known as “kuripa ngozi.” While the spirit of the dead may name their price for compensation to appease the spirit (kuripa ngozi), however, by default it is usually 10 cows, except in cases where the spirit states how many cows it wants. In some cases, the avenging spirit may demand as much as 50 cows.
However, in such cases, spirit mediums, close relatives and community leaders such as chiefs and village heads may try to negotiate with the dead person’s spirit to consider lowing their demand, especially in cases where the offenders show remorsefulness and willing to cooperate. The Shona saying, “mushonga wengozi kuyiripa” (the cure for ngozi is compensation), underscores the importance of addressing the spirit’s grievances to restore harmony.
The NPAZ has issued a strong message urging citizens to resolve domestic disputes peacefully or seek third-party mediation, warning that “Crime Does Not Pay.” However, in a community steeped in traditional beliefs, the potential consequences extend beyond the legal realm.
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