Hurungwe woman seeks help after alleged involuntary witchcraft initiation

Hurungwe woman seeking help

A woman from Hurungwe District, who asked to be identified as Mai Rumbi to protect her identity, says she is desperate for help after claiming she was drawn into witchcraft as a child and is now being tormented by its effects. She says the alleged practices are harming her health and threatening her family’s wellbeing.

Background and early signs

Mai Rumbi told reporters her troubles began after her mother died and she was raised by her grandmother. She says she grew up without clear knowledge of her paternal lineage. From a young age she began experiencing disturbing dreams in which she found herself in graveyards with unknown women, cutting and sharing human flesh. Those nightmares, she says, have continued into adulthood and leave her physically unwell.

Alleged initiation and current pressure

According to Mai Rumbi, relatives later informed her that a close female family member had initiated her into witchcraft without her consent. She says she underwent symbolic rituals that marked her entry into the practice and that members of that circle now regard her as a witch.

She claims the group is pressuring her to kill a close relative so they can “share the flesh,” a demand she strongly rejects. “I no longer want this. It is tormenting me,” she said, adding that the dreams are accompanied by stomach pains, vomiting, and sleepless nights.

Voices, visions, and community reaction

Mai Rumbi also reports hearing voices that predict deaths in her community; she says some of the events she dreams about later occur. She described episodes of waking at midnight and being unable to sleep until dawn, insisting she feels spiritually disturbed.

Her husband and relatives are said to be aware of her situation, but community members reportedly avoid her out of fear. She is seeking spiritual intervention and wants to be freed from what she describes as a spiritual burden.

Response from traditional healers and authorities

George Kandiyero, head of the Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (ZINATHA), said cases involving alleged witchcraft vary widely and often require sensitive handling. He advised that people reporting such experiences should seek appropriate spiritual or traditional guidance.

Authorities have not issued a formal comment, and there is no independent evidence to corroborate the woman’s claims. Community leaders have urged calm, advising residents to avoid panic, resolve disputes peacefully, and encourage anyone in distress to seek counselling or recognised support services.

Support and next steps

Local leaders and health and social services are being urged to offer psychosocial support to individuals reporting similar experiences. Observers say a coordinated response combining spiritual counselling, mental‑health services, and community mediation can help protect vulnerable people and reduce stigma.

  Hurungwe witchcraft initiation Mai Rumbi