Makoni Villager in Trouble for Presiding Over Ngozi Murder Case Without Authority

Chief Makoni

A villager in Makoni has landed in trouble after allegedly posing as a traditional authority and presiding over a sensitive murder case involving an avenging spirit. Tapfumaneyi Mwendazviuya of Mwendazviuya Village appeared before Chief Makoni after he allegedly handled a case that fell strictly under the jurisdiction of the chief’s court. According to proceedings, Tapfumaneyi is not a headman but assists his father, Headman Mwendazviuya, in running the village. Despite this, he reportedly presided over a murder-related dispute and facilitated compensation between two families.

The case involved a man who allegedly killed his live-in girlfriend after catching her with another man. Tapfumaneyi reportedly ordered the offender’s family to pay 10 cattle to the victim’s relatives as compensation and demanded an additional beast as a “court fee”. However, matters involving murder and avenging spirits known locally as Ngozi are traditionally handled only at the chief’s court because of their cultural and spiritual significance. The issue came to light when Robert Samuel, an aide to Chief Makoni, overheard villagers discussing the case while travelling on a bus.

“I was shocked to hear that Headman Mwendazviuya’s son had presided over a murder case. He demanded a beast for cleansing and facilitated compensation, but such cases are strictly for the chief’s court,” Samuel told the court.

Samuel also warned that the process followed would not prevent the consequences traditionally associated with Ngozi.

“I told the families that the beasts they paid cannot stop ngozi from tormenting them. Even the headman admitted the process was wrong,” he said.

Tapfumaneyi initially challenged Samuel’s authority to bring the complaint before the chief’s court, arguing that Samuel lived outside his jurisdiction.

However, he later apologised for handling the matter.

“I am very sorry for what I did, as it was out of ignorance. The family paid three goats as court fee, not a beast as alleged,” Tapfumaneyi told the court.

He also argued that the fine imposed on him was excessive.

In his ruling, Chief Makoni said Tapfumaneyi had overstepped his authority and mishandled a delicate matter.

“Tapfumaneyi is not even the headman but is just assisting his father to run the village. He does not respect my authority,” the chief said.

He added that the compensation process was flawed because the avenging spirit had not manifested or indicated how restitution should be made.

“The avenging spirit should direct how it wants to be compensated, and in this case nothing of that sort happened,” Chief Makoni said.

The chief fined Tapfumaneyi one beast and two goats and said he would recommend that Headman Mwendazviuya appoint a different person to assist in village leadership matters. He also warned that both families involved could still face the consequences of an avenging spirit if the matter is not properly addressed.

Makoni ngozi case