A man from Marondera, named Siriro Satande, caused a stir in court by confessing to using a live tortoise as a charm called “mubobobo” to harm women s3xually through w!tchcraft.
This shocking revelation came during a family dispute hearing before Chief Mutasa.
The situation began when Siriro’s nephew, Hazvineyi Satande, 22, sought help from the court.
He claimed that several family members, including Siriro, were involved in witchcraft that had led to mental illness and suffering within their family, even contributing to their parents’ d3aths.
Hazvineyi described how his mentally ill sisters sometimes acted violently and how they had become reliant on donations from neighbors for their survival.
“I care for my sick sisters, and we survive on food from generous people in our community. Some family members don’t help us; they only visit to take food,” Hazvineyi said, expressing his desperation for assistance.
Siriro’s confession emerged after a spiritual cleansing ceremony at his home.
ALSO READ: VIDEO: Bulawayo motorist caught playing with his banana in suspected case of m@sturb@tion
During this event, a prophet found the live tortoise hidden in Siriro’s underwear, which was reportedly tied with old coins.
Siriro admitted to using the tortoise for witchcraft, claiming it provided him with satisfaction like having a s3xual partner. However, he noted that after the tortoise was removed, the pain in his leg began to ease.
Witnesses testified about Siriro’s long struggle with leg pain, explaining that he had undergone three unsuccessful surgeries.
Villagers suspected he was using the tortoise as a charm to feign illness. One village leader, Headman Newengo, shared that a traditional healer had revealed Siriro was hiding a creature in his trousers.
The situation highlighted the stark contrast in the lives of different Satande family members.
While Hazvineyi and his siblings faced hardship, other family members lived comfortably and drove expensive cars, creating resentment and accusations of neglect.
Moved by Hazvineyi’s account, Chief Mutasa showed compassion by giving him US$50 and 50kg of maize. He criticized the wealthier family members for ignoring the suffering of their relatives.
The court proceedings are not over yet; Chief Mutasa plans to hold another hearing to bring in the absent family members and address the serious accusations against them.
