2 drown as exorcism ceremony goes wrong

Zim Now Writer

Two Dangamvura men died last weekend after diving into a Fern Valley Dam in an attempt to rescue a girl who was about to drown during an exorcism ceremony.

The bodies of Paul Mupukuta, 44, and Clifford Mhlanga, 68, were retrieved by members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Sub-Aqua Unit on Monday.

Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Norbert Muzondo revealed that Mupukuta approached a traditional healer, Mbuya Monica Mhlanga of Area 3, Dangamvura, to assist him in finding a solution to a spiritual challenge that was affecting his family.

They parties proceeded to Fern Valley Dam for a cleansing ceremony where Mupukuta and Mhlanga eventually met their fate.

It is alleged that during the cleansing ceremony, Mbuya Mhlanga who was cleansing Mupukuta’s 15-year-old daughter said she was feeling weak.

The young girl started drowning and her father jumped into the water to assist her while Mhlanga also dived in to rescue his wife.

Gogo Mhlanga and Mupukuta’s daughter survived, while Mupukuta and Mhlanga died.

The councillor for the area, Calvin Matsiya, said Fern Valley Dam was established as a recreational reservoir but poor maintenance has turned it into a pool of death.

“Three separate incidents have happened at the dam in recent years. Lives are being lost. We urge people to avoid visiting the dam for religious, recreational or fishing purposes without permission from the local authority.

“People must seek guidance before they partake in any activities there, including weddings and parties,” he said.