Bulawayo Traditional Healer Granted Bail in Client's Alleged Ritual Death

By Percy Nhara | Southerton Business Times

BULAWAYO – A Bulawayo traditional healer has been granted bail after appearing in court on a murder charge following the death of a client who allegedly became critically ill after consuming a herbal substance during a spiritual cleansing ritual. Livingstone Sibanda, of Cowdray Park, appeared before Bulawayo Provincial Magistrate Challenge Mahembe facing a charge of murder.

He was not asked to plead because murder cases are exclusively tried by the High Court.

Sibanda, who is represented by Simbarashe Innocent Madzivire of Mashayamombe Law Firm, was subsequently granted bail by the High Court and released on US$150 pending further proceedings. The court remanded the matter to July 15, 2026, for routine remand.

As part of his bail conditions, Sibanda was ordered to continue residing at his given address, report every Monday at Cowdray Park Police Station and not interfere with State witnesses until the case is finalised. According to prosecutor Josephine Gurazhira, the alleged incident occurred on June 21, 2026, when the now-deceased man, accompanied by his sister, visited Sibanda's residence seeking spiritual assistance to allegedly remove evil spirits believed to be affecting his home.

The State alleges that Sibanda administered a herbal substance, described in court as resembling a potato, and instructed the man to consume it as part of the cleansing ritual.

"The deceased consumed the herb and immediately started vomiting continuously. The accused attempted to administer first aid, but his efforts failed to stop the vomiting," Gurazhira told the court.

Prosecutors allege that after the man's condition deteriorated, Sibanda called an ambulance to his home.

Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene but pronounced the man dead after examining him. The deceased's body was taken for a post-mortem examination to establish the exact cause of death. The results of the examination are expected to form a key part of the State's case when the matter proceeds to trial. The case has drawn attention to the growing number of Zimbabweans who seek traditional and spiritual healing services alongside conventional medical treatment, although authorities have repeatedly urged members of the public to exercise caution and seek immediate medical attention when serious health complications arise.

The matter will eventually be transferred to the High Court for trial after completion of the necessary legal procedures. Under Zimbabwean law, a person charged with a criminal offence is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. At this stage, the allegations remain before the court, and Sibanda has not yet been called upon to enter a plea.

Bulawayo traditional healer murder case