Prophet Extorts Family Of US$12,000 Using Snake And Coffin To Induce Fear

A self-styled prophet from Glen View 7, Harare, appeared in court on Monday, facing two counts of extortion after allegedly defrauding victims of more than US$12,000 through what prosecutors describe as fear-driven prophecies.

Osward Kadatoma appeared before Harare magistrate Jacqueline Gara, accused of targeting members of the Nyamukondiwa family with ominous predictions of death.

The State alleges that in February 2023, Kadatoma visited the family home uninvited and claimed to have received a vision from the Holy Spirit, in which he saw a coffin arriving at their residence.

He allegedly singled out 47-year-old Searchmore Nyamukondiwa, who works in South Africa, claiming his name had been inscribed on the coffin and warning that death was imminent.

He is said to have assured the family that he possessed spiritual powers to avert the supposed tragedy, initially offering his services free of charge.

However, prosecutors allege the situation escalated when he produced a snake from the complainant’s bag, claiming it was the source of the family’s misfortunes.

The court heard that Kadatoma then allegedly demanded US$1,500 to perform rituals to neutralise the threat.

When the complainant said he could not afford the payment, he is said to have threatened to leave the snake in the house, insisting it had transformed from a “spiritual” entity into a real and dangerous reptile. Fearing for his safety, the complainant allegedly paid the amount.

Prosecutors further allege that Kadatoma continued to contact him while he was in South Africa, demanding additional payments under the guise of ongoing prayers to prevent death. Through repeated pressure and threats, he is said to have received a total of US$10,955.

The matter came to light after Kadatoma allegedly used a different phone number to pose as a traditional healer and attempted to solicit further funds, raising suspicion. The complainant confronted him and demanded a refund, which was allegedly refused.

The case was subsequently reported to the Zimbabwe Republic Police Budiriro in March 2024, leading to his arrest.

In a second count, Kadatoma is also accused of using the same “coffin prophecy” to extort Chengetai Norest Nyamukondiwa, claiming that Searchmore was in danger and that goblins were responsible for misfortunes affecting the family.

He allegedly demanded money for protective rituals concerning the complainant’s life and marriage, receiving US$1,125. This matter was likewise reported to ZRP Budiriro, culminating in his recent arrest.

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