Police in Beatrice are investigating an alleged extortion case involving cash and property worth more than US$60,000 after a grieving widow claimed that a self-styled traditional healer demanded payment for “goblins” her late husband had allegedly acquired from him.

The Zimbabwe Republic Polic in Beatrice have reportedly recovered cash and property valued at approximately US$33,000 as investigations continue into the alleged incident, which began a day after the woman buried her husband.

According to the allegations, the accused, Amos Kafera of Gaths Farm in Beatrice, summoned the widow to his homestead shortly after her husband’s burial. He allegedly told her that her late husband owed him US$250,000 for goblins he claimed to have supplied him.

The widow was allegedly threatened with death, along with her children, if she failed to settle the purported debt.

The incident reportedly took a more disturbing turn when Kafera allegedly produced a python from a sack and told the frightened woman that the snake belonged to her late husband.

Fearing for her life and the safety of her children, the widow allegedly agreed to pay the money.

Kafera is accused of subsequently sending his workers to collect a tractor, a disc plough, a Toyota Dyna vehicle, 13 head of cattle and US$13,000 in cash.

The total value of the property and money allegedly taken is estimated at more than US$60,000. The widow is also reportedly facing demands for a further US$48,200.

The woman later confided in relatives, who reportedly advised her that the alleged conduct was unlawful.

One of her grandchildren subsequently visited Kafera’s homestead and managed to recover the tractor and disc plough before the family reported the matter to ZRP Beatrice.

Police have confirmed that investigations into the alleged extortion are ongoing.

Previous Controversial Claims

Kafera, a traditional healer popularly known as Sekuru Kafera and previously associated with Seke Unit L in Chitungwiza, has attracted public attention through a series of controversial claims about his alleged spiritual practices.

In previous media interviews, he claimed to use “goblins” to assist a diverse clientele, including pastors, prophets, business executives, sex workers, commuter omnibus operators, truck drivers and car dealers.

He alleged that some clients approached him seeking spiritual powers to prophesy in churches, while others wanted assistance in attracting wealth, restoring troubled marriages or bringing back estranged spouses.

In another extraordinary claim, Kafera said he had “resurrected” his nephew, Watson, in Mufakose after the man had allegedly been dead for four days.

He claimed to have given him a two-litre drink, after which the man regained consciousness.

Kafera also claimed to attend to at least 150 people daily and said his purported spiritual powers originated from Malawi.

In a separate public claim, he alleged that he had helped a late socialite couple accumulate substantial wealth after they sought his assistance to improve their financial circumstances.

He further claimed that his intervention had contributed to the wife, a former army officer, securing a promotion and had enabled the couple to acquire vehicles.

The couple later died in a horrific road traffic accident. Kafera reportedly attributed the tragedy to their alleged failure to pay him what he claimed he was owed for his services.

These claims have not been independently established.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kafera also told reporters that he was overwhelmed by people seeking traditional herbal remedies. He suggested that his remedies might contribute to finding a treatment, while advising people experiencing illness to undergo testing at hospitals.

His public profile describes his work as helping people attain what he calls “spiritual peace” in matters relating to physical and material well-being, including healing, wealth, luck, relationships, career advancement and spiritual cleansing.

Police Investigations Ongoing

Despite the controversial claims surrounding his purported spiritual practices, the Beatrice case is being investigated as an alleged criminal matter involving the unlawful acquisition of cash and property.

The allegations raise concerns about the possible exploitation of vulnerable individuals through fear and threats, particularly in circumstances involving bereavement.

However, the allegations against Kafera remain unproven, and no conviction has been reported in connection with the case. Police investigations are continuing.