A couple from Epworth, Harare, has been sentenced to nine months in prison for kidnapping a 15-year-old girl they intended to initiate into a Manjuzu ritual.
Fortunate Anesu Kachere, 30, and Tadiwanashe Benjamin, 25, of Green Valley, were convicted by Epworth magistrate Ethel Chichera following a full trial.
The court heard that the girl had been living with her aunt, Betty Samanyanga, in Jachi, Epworth.
On 25 September, she visited the couple’s home, claiming she had run away from her aunt because she wanted to be given certain herbal preparations.
Once at their house, the couple kept her and began their plan to initiate her into the ritual. Later that day, when the girl’s mother sent her nephew to check on her, the couple denied ever seeing her.
On 3 October, the girl’s mother received a tip-off that her daughter was still at the couple’s home and promptly reported the matter to the police. Officers found the child drugged and safely recovered her.
The prosecution, led by Vincent Chidembo, successfully proved the couple’s intent to carry out the initiation, resulting in their conviction and jail term.
More: The Herald
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