Fake healer jailed 15 years for attempted rape during “cleansing ritual”

HARARE — A self-proclaimed traditional healer was sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Rusape Magistrates’ Court after attempting to rape a woman while pretending to conduct a cleansing ritual, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA) said.

Cain Mushayi, 29, targeted a 34-year-old woman in Village Domborembizi, Chief Makoni, on 3 October 2025, promising to fix her marital problems and “chase away goblins” destabilizing her home. Mushayi told the woman he could “chase away the goblins sleeping with her” and even “chase away goblins” fueling instability.

NPA said Mushayi instructed the woman to undress, then “lit a fire on a stick and placed it between her legs, claiming this would drive away the goblins sleeping with her.” Investigators said he “pushed the complainant to the floor … and attempted to force himself on her,” and during a struggle “he ejaculated on the complainant’s legs before fleeing the scene.”

Mushayi fled but was later arrested and convicted. The NPA said the attack “serves as a stark warning against falling victim to fraudsters posing as spiritual healers to exploit vulnerable individuals.”

It added that “NPAZ continues to urge the public to be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited spiritual services in private spaces.”