Staff Reporter

A 10-year-old boy died after his grandmother took him to a river for a purported cleansing ceremony popularly known as the manjuzu ritual.

The incident occurred at Village 16 Rupemba Chief Mafala, Zvishavane on 19 January 2024 at around 2000 hours.

It is said that the grandmother, Senzakupi Nyoni (66)  was at home with her daughter Svetukai Muruviri (36) and two juvenile grandsons.  It is said the elder grandson got into a trance and indicated that his young brother Ropafadzo Tunhai (10) was being haunted by evil spirits and that he should be cleansed in water for two hours.

Midlands Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said At around 1800 hours the grandmother escorted the boy to Ngezi River which is about 500 metres from the homestead for the cleansing activity.

“It is alleged that at about 2000 hours Nyoni brought back home a lifeless body of Ropafadzo Tunhai and handed it to his mother Svetukai Muruviri who informed the Village head Moses Msipa. The village head advised Muruviri to report the matter to the Police,” he said.

The matter was reported to the Police on 20 January 2024 who attended the scene. The body was conveyed to Zvishavane District Hospital Mortuary.

Nyoni is in Police custody assisting with investigations.

Inspector Mahoko urged members of the public not to engage in activities that put lives at risk.

“We appeal to members of the public to respect the sanctity of life and avoid engaging in activities which risk losing life,” he said.