In a heartbreaking turn of events, two brave men from Dangamvura lost their lives while attempting to rescue a young girl during an exorcism ceremony at Fern Valley Dam.
Paul Mupukuta (44) and Clifford Mhlanga (68) tragically met their fate in a selfless act of bravery.
A Desperate Cry for Spiritual Assistance Ends in Tragedy
The incident unfolded when Paul Mupukuta sought the help of traditional healer Mbuya Monica Mhlanga to address a spiritual challenge affecting his family.
The group gathered at Fern Valley Dam for a cleansing ceremony, hoping to find a solution.
However, the ceremony took a devastating turn when Mupukuta’s 15-year-old daughter started drowning, prompting her father and Mhlanga to jump into the water to rescue her.
Despite the valiant efforts of witnesses and the assistance of Mbuya Mhlanga, Paul Mupukuta, and Clifford Mhlanga were unable to survive the treacherous waters of Fern Valley Dam.
Eyewitness Prosper Mugari, who rushed to the scene upon hearing cries for help, managed to rescue Mupukuta’s daughter with the assistance of Mbuya Mhlanga.
Mugari’s heroic act saved a life but couldn’t prevent the loss of two others.
Local authorities, including Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Inspector Norbert Muzondo and councillor Calvin Matsiya, have expressed concern over the recurring incidents at Fern Valley Dam.
Matsiya emphasized the importance of seeking permission from the local authority before engaging in any activities at the dam, urging people to prioritize safety.
While some members of the community attribute the tragedy to the presence of mermaids in the dam, others dismiss such beliefs as superstition.
A self-proclaimed spiritual healer known as Banda advocated for a cleansing ritual at the dam, claiming it would have prevented the loss of lives.
A local resident who preferred anonymity said:
“We have come across people leaving different cloths, jewellery, expensive cutlery and foodstuffs such as meat and sweets. All these items find their way into the dam. Some pour opaque beer and wine into the dam as offerings, thereby threatening the dam’s aquatic life.
“We have told our children to stay away from the dam and not to take anything away from it as they can be baits put there by those who frequent the dam to recruit people into their cults.”
Source iHarare.com
