Witchdoctor Jailed For 20 Years For Rape Then Tries To Kill Himself In Court

A traditional healer from Masvingo attempted to commit suicide in court moments after he was jailed for 20 years for rape.

Obvious Mauyire, 35, of Mazungunye Village under Chief Mazungunye in Bikita, was sentenced by Masvingo Regional Magistrate Innocent Bepura on 22 May 2026.

He was found guilty of raping an 18-year-old woman during a supposed night cleansing ceremony meant to free her from a “spiritual husband”.

According to TellZim News, Mauyire swallowed an unknown pill in the dock soon after sentencing. The courtroom filled with the smell of the pill before he began convulsing.

He was rushed to Masvingo Provincial Hospital, where he was admitted in an unknown condition.

Prosecutor Nixon Chamisa told the court that on 14 November 2025, the complainant and her family visited Mauyire’s shrine for spiritual consultations.

The teenager, from Dulivadzimu in Beitbridge, had travelled with her mother and two relatives for a second visit, seeking help for spiritual problems.

The family was told to bring four bottles of “Nyathi” opaque beer and snuff. On arrival, they were also asked to buy Clear Aqua Spirit as a substitute for wine.

The court heard that the complainant was ordered to take snuff and drink beer from a wooden cup as part of rituals to appease her ancestors.

Mauyire then told the family to return home while the teenager stayed behind for a night cleansing ceremony at a nearby mountain.

Although her mother resisted leaving her daughter, she was assured that two female assistants would escort the teenager — a promise that was not kept.

At around 10 pm, Mauyire allegedly pulled the complainant, tried to kiss her, pinned her down and raped her.

The next morning, she was told to bathe in warm water mixed with herbs as part of the ritual.

The court heard that the complainant only disclosed the incident to her mother in March this year.

She said memories of the rape had continued to haunt her, and reading a similar online story prompted her to speak out.