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Tawanda Mangoma in CHIREDZI
Clashes between Zion Christian Church (ZCC) members and irate youths at a circumcision and initiation camp in Malipati under Chief Sengwe left scores nursing serious injuries.

Over 20 youths left the training camp on Sunday to confront ZCC members whom they accused of violating their culture.

The youths said the culture barred people from playing radios or drums whenever the initiation programmes started.

Headman Ngwenyeni confirmed the violence in an interview on Monday.

He said although they did not condone violence, the playing of drums and radios was a “taboo” whenever the cultural programme was in motion.

“Chief Sengwe told all the churches that they must stop playing drums when the initiation period begins,” he said. “These people from ZCC have been violating this law for quite sometime. It is a taboo to play radio and drums when the boys are out in the bush.”

Headman Ngwenyani urged churches to respect the traditions followed by people in his area.

Chairman of the Sengwe Pastors Fraternity Reverend Steven Chauke acknowledged the rift between churches and the cultural practices of the area.

He said they raised the matter with Chief Sengwe.

“We have the right to assemble and the right to worship in whatever way necessary and that is clearly enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe,” said Rev Chauke.

“We are, however, saddened with what happened on Sunday at ZCC church. How can people come and disrupt a church gathering by beating everyone with sjamboks?”

Acting Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dehwa said he was yet to receive a report on the incident.

Nearly 3 000 youths from communities in parts of Chiredzi and Mwenezi districts are circumcised annually this time of the year under the Shangani culture.

The Shangani are found mostly under chiefs Sengwe, Tshovani, Chitanga and Gezani in the two districts.