A Zimbabwean man posing as a traditional healer has been sentenced to 15 years behind bars for attempting to rape a woman during what he claimed was a spiritual cleansing ritual to fix her marital problems.
The Deceptive Encounter
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the incident occurred on October 3, 2025, when 29-year-old Cain Mushayi approached a 34-year-old woman at her homestead in Village Domborembizi, Rusape. The self-proclaimed spiritual healer convinced the vulnerable woman that he could remove goblins allegedly causing instability in her marriage.
Trusting his claims, the woman allowed Mushayi into her unfinished two-roomed house to perform the supposed cleansing ceremony. This decision would nearly lead to her violation by the fraudulent healer.
The Disturbing Ritual That Turned Violent
Once inside the private space, the situation took a terrifying turn. Mushayi instructed the woman to remove her trousers before lighting a fire on a stick and placing it between her legs, claiming this bizarre act was necessary to chase away supernatural entities.
The NPAZ detailed how the ritual escalated into physical assault: "The offender pushed the complainant to the floor, removed his own clothes, and attempted to force himself on her."
The court heard that the woman fought back valiantly during the struggle. In a dramatic turn of events, Mushayi ejaculated on the woman's legs before she managed to overpower him and push him away. The failed rapist then fled the scene in panic.
Justice Served and Public Warning
The brave victim immediately reported the attack to authorities, leading to Mushayi's arrest and successful prosecution in the Rusape court.
Following the sentencing, the NPAZ issued a strong public advisory warning citizens to be extremely cautious of individuals posing as spiritual healers, particularly those offering unsolicited rituals in private spaces.
The authority emphasized: "This case serves as a stark warning against falling victim to fraudsters posing as spiritual healers to exploit vulnerable individuals. We continue to urge the public to be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited spiritual services in private spaces."
The conviction and substantial 15-year sentence mark a significant step in Zimbabwe's fight against predatory crimes committed under the guise of traditional or spiritual practices, offering some justice to victims while sending a clear message to potential offenders.
