Woman arrested over "sexual healing" of teen boy w...

Woman arrested over "sexual healing" of teen boy with disabilities

Munyaradzi Mashiri

Zim Now Court Correspondent

A woman who claimed to be a spiritualist has appeared in court, accused of raping a 17-year-old teenager with disability under the guise of offering spiritual healing.

Catherine Nhongo, 39, of Madokero, appeared before magistrate Donald Ndirowei at the Harare Magistrates' Courts facing aggravated indecent assault charges.

According to the prosecution, the complainant’s sister encountered Nhongo while returning from a nearby shop.

The two engaged in a conversation about spiritual matters, and the sister, impressed by Nhongo’s claims, confided that her younger brother had a physical disability and struggled with speech.

Nhongo said she could help the young man and was invited to their home to perform a healing ritual.

Upon arrival, Nhongo requested beer and cigarettes to “prepare” for the session.

The complainant’s brother complied, purchasing a Zambezi beer, a Super Chibuku, and Everest cigarettes for Nhongo, who began drinking and smoking before initiating the spiritual proceedings.

Nhongo instructed the brother to take mealie-meal and place in the complainant’s mouth, then mix more mealie-meal with water for the teen to drink.

The court heard that, as part of her “healing” process, Nhongo proceeded to touch the complainant’s body in what seemed like an examination.

She then ordered the complainant’s siblings to leave the house, saying she needed to be alone with him. Obediently, they stepped outside, where they reportedly heard strange sounds from inside the house, including the noise of pots clanging.

Approximately 15 minutes later, the complainant emerged from the house with his hands raised, a gesture that appeared to resemble surrender.

The unusual behavior raised alarm among his siblings, one of whom quickly called Mabelreign police.

Nhongo ran from the house in an attempt to flee, but the complainant’s brother gave chase and restrained her until the police arrived, leading to her arrest.

Nhongo was remanded in custody.