Self-styled traditional healer arrested in Mutare after allegedly being found with live puff adder and cobra

A self-styled traditional healer has been arrested in Mutare after he was allegedly found carrying two live snakes without the permits required under Zimbabwe's wildlife laws. Gift Kanodaweta (19), who is also known as James Malunga and reportedly operates under the name Sekuru Kamutungunde, was arrested in Chikanga late last month after allegedly being found in possession of a puff adder and a cobra.

Police say the reptiles have since been confiscated and handed over to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks). Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka said Kanodaweta was brought to ZRP Chikanga Police Station by a member of the Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (ZINATHA), who alleged that he was practising as a traditional healer without being registered with the association.

According to police, the accused is facing allegations of possessing protected wildlife without a permit, contrary to Section 59(1)(b) of the Parks and Wildlife Act [Chapter 20:14].

"On June 26, at around 10am in Chikanga, Mutare, Gift Kanodaweta, also known as James Malunga, aged 19, of Kadzinga Village under Chief Nyajina in Murehwa, who practises as a traditional healer under the name Sekuru Kamutungunde, was found in possession of a puff adder and a cobra without a Parks and Wildlife permit," said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.

Police said the complainant, identified as Paradzayi Clever Maendayi, reported that Kanodaweta was carrying the snakes in a satchel and allegedly claimed to use them during traditional rituals. During questioning, Kanodaweta allegedly told investigators that although he traces his roots to Malawi, he was born and raised in Murehwa and had been practising traditional healing from a young age.

He further claimed that he travelled to Mozambique in 2024 for spiritual fortification, where another traditional healer allegedly gave him two eggs that later hatched into the snakes recovered by police. According to the police, Kanodaweta said he specialises in conducting rituals for clients involved in the mining sector, claiming the ceremonies are intended to help miners prosper financially.

Following the arrest, ZimParks officials examined the reptiles and identified them as a puff adder and a cobra before taking custody of the animals. The suspect was subsequently handed over to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit for further investigations. Police said investigations into the matter are continuing. Under Zimbabwe's Parks and Wildlife Act, the possession, transport or keeping of protected wildlife species without the appropriate permits is a criminal offence, with enforcement falling under the authority of ZimParks.

Mutare traditional healer arrested with snakes