Beatrice man dies during cleansing ceremony, traditional healer arrested for murder

Zim Now Writer

A Beatrice traditional healer, Andrew Ngondonga has been arrested on allegations of killing a 75-year-old man during a cleansing ceremony.

Ngondonga was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly killing Leo Chahwanda, who succumbed to burns he sustained during a steaming process.

National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident.

“Police in Beatrice arrested a traditional healer, Andrew Ngondonga in connection with a case of murder in which Leo Chahwanda aged 75 died at the suspect’s shrine in Retreat, Waterfalls on August 1, 2023.

“The victim participated in a spiritual family cleansing ceremony in which he steamed himself using hot water and a hot stone. As a result, the victim succumbed to burns he sustained during the steaming process,” he said.

In another case of murder, Police in Mabelreign, Harare arrested Martin Magumanya, 27, in a case in which Elias Chiparaushe, 48, died at a brick company based at Mariano Farm in Mt Hampden on Tuesday after being kicked once on the groin following a misunderstanding.

The misunderstanding arose after Magumanya had attacked Chiparashe’s dog.