Masvingo traditional healer jailed 20 years for rape, collapses in court
Masvingo traditional healer jailed 20 years for rape, collapses in court
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A Masvingo traditional healer convicted of raping an 18-year-old woman was rushed to hospital after he allegedly swallowed an unknown pill in court moments after being sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Obvious Mauyire (35), of Mazungunye Village under Chief Mazungunye in Bikita, was sentenced on 22 May 2026 by Masvingo Regional Magistrate Innocent Bepura.
The court found Mauyire guilty of raping the complainant during what was described as a night cleansing ceremony intended to free her from a “spiritual husband”.
According to TellZim News, which reported details from the proceedings, Mauyire swallowed an unknown pill while in the dock soon after sentencing. The courtroom reportedly filled with the smell of the substance before he began convulsing.
He was taken to Masvingo Provincial Hospital where he was admitted, with his condition not disclosed in the information available.
Prosecutor Nixon Chamisa told the court the incident dates back to 14 November 2025, when the complainant and her family visited Mauyire’s shrine for spiritual consultations. The teenager, from Dulivadzimu in Beitbridge, had travelled with her mother and two relatives for what the court heard was a second visit, seeking help for spiritual problems.
The family was instructed to bring four bottles of “Nyathi” opaque beer and snuff. On arrival, they were also asked to buy Clear Aqua Spirit as a substitute for wine, the court heard.
The complainant was ordered to take snuff and drink beer from a wooden cup as part of rituals said to appease her ancestors, according to the case presented. Mauyire later instructed the family to return home while the teenager stayed behind for a night cleansing ceremony at a nearby mountain.
The court heard the complainant’s mother resisted leaving her daughter, but was assured that two female assistants would escort the teenager — a promise that was not kept.
At around 10pm, Mauyire allegedly pulled the complainant towards him, attempted to kiss her, pinned her down and raped her, the court heard. The next morning, she was told to bathe in warm water mixed with herbs as part of the ritual.
The court heard the complainant disclosed the incident to her mother in March 2026. She said the memories continued to haunt her and that reading a similar online story prompted her to speak out.
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