Zimpapers Logo

Herald Reporter
At least 48 faith and traditional healers have so far been de-registered by the Traditional Medical Practitioners Council while 15 others are under probe for improper and disgraceful conduct.The 48 were de-registered between January 2010 and March this year.

The latest development also comes after a woman in Highfield, Harare, recently confessed to being used by more than 15 self-proclaimed prophets in and around Harare to fleece money from several people and to lure more customers for them.

The woman identified as Memory Madyapasi told police at Machipisa Police Station yesterday that she was being used to stage-manage acts by the 15 self-styled prophets after being paid amounts ranging between $10 and $20.

Madyapasi identified some of the self-styled prophets she claimed used her services as Clemence Chinhanga of Rhodesville, Collin Chivha of Hatcliffe, Simbarashe Lazarus Nengomasha of Chitungwiza, Libion Mhizha of Whitecliff, Chris Madhoromadhi of Glen Norah, Samson Moda alias Madzibaba Hemish, Widnadgy Tinashe of Damofalls, Wiriyamu Chigorimbo, William Saungweme of Budiriro 1, Tonderai Saungweme of Rhodesville, Madzibaba Motion of Waterfalls and another one identified as Madzibaba Robson who operates near Glen Norah Police Station.
Madyapasi alleged that sometimes she was made to act as if she was a witch, possessed with an evil spirit and to even act like a baboon at shrines.
“After acting, I would be paid any amount ranging between $10 and $20. However, most of them still owe me my money and have not yet paid,” she said.

At least 40 of the 48 faith and traditional healers were deregistered between 2010 and 2012 and were charged and fined up to $200 each for contravening the Traditional Medical Practitioners Act, which regulates the practice of faith and traditional healers.

Their offences included misrepresenting to the public that they could heal and remove evil spirits and fleeced people of their hard-earned cash, livestock and other valuables.

TMPC registrar Ms Joice Guwa yesterday confirmed the deregistration of the more than eight healers and self-proclaimed prophets between end of last year and last month.

Ms Guwa warned people to be wary of such prophets and urged them to first ask for a TMPC licence before seeking their services.