Despite the government’s stern warnings to dr_g dealers and smuggler to stop supplying minors with intoxicating substances, yet another picture of children drinking alcoh0l has gone viral on social media.
This incident, which occurred at Chinake Village in Murewa, has once again ignited public outrage and concern.
According to witnesses on a WhatsApp platform, the event took place during a witch-hunting ceremony intended to expose alleged sorcerers in the village.
The ceremony was guided by the revered Mbuya Nyaude and attended by various spiritual leaders.
The proceedings quickly revealed a list of accused witches: Langton Chinake, Mildred Chinake, Togarepi Chinake (Village Head), and Milton Chinake (Former Ward 16 Councillor).
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Despite lacking concrete evidence, Mbuya Nyaude proceeded to place symbolic pieces of wood (hoko) at the homes of the accused, believing this act would expose their alleged w!tchcraft.
Tensions, however, escalated dramatically when Milton Chinake, the former councillor, brandished a firearm and adamantly denied Mbuya Nyaude entry onto his property. In a bold and reckless move, he then sped his car towards the gathered crowd, causing panic and scattering them in fear.
Langton Chinake, an elderly man in his late 80s, endured relentless water-soaking for over eight hours during the proceedings. Instead of showing empathy, the villagers cheered and ululated as Mbuya Nyaude continuously doused him with water from 11:00 am until 7:57 pm.
Shivering and pleading for mercy, Langton faced relentless accusations from a visibly intoxicated Mbuya Nyaude.
“I’ve heard the accusations, but show proof before drenching me. Let’s go to my house so you can prove these claims. Please, stop pouring water on us. We’re old, our bodies can’t take it,” he implored.
Amidst this chaotic scene, the local news crew reported that Mbuya Nyaude’s two school-going children were noticeably absent from school and spent the entire day indulging in Nyati Beverages beer. This behavior was particularly alarming given the recent crackdown on underage drinking and the enforcement of the Liquor Act, which strictly prohibits the sale of alcoh0l to minors.
This incident follows months after videos of young girls and boys drinking alcoh0l at Juru Growth Point in Murehwa and central Harare were filmed by concerned citizens and subsequently went viral on social media.
Despite the government’s efforts to curb this troubling trend, it seems that the message has yet to reach some corners of society.
The image of minors drinking alcoh0l at the w!tch-hunting ceremony has once again highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of the law and greater community awareness to protect vulnerable children from such harmful activities.
