Ritual murder victim “speaks from beyond the grave” to name his own killers two years later

Seven people have been arrested after a man murdered two years ago reportedly manifested through a woman during a traditional court hearing and named his killers.

The deceased, Luckmore Dziire, from Domborutinhira in Mutasa, Manicaland Province, was found dead in October 2024 with his heart, private parts, fingers and toenails missing, in what appeared to be a ritual killing.

Villagers were left stunned during a recent hearing before Chief Mutasa when a local woman allegedly became possessed by Luckmore’s spirit.

Speaking as the deceased, she named fellow villagers Margaret Marume, Jeremiah Mupunga, Kenny Chirumhanzu, Nyasha Mudeme, Tendai Alfonso, Joseph Alfonso, Christopher and Mangandaire as the perpetrators.

Tendai Alfonso is already serving a prison sentence after being convicted of the murder by the High Court.

During the manifestation, the woman described the events leading up to Luckmore’s death. She said he had gone to a local shop, where he drank traditional beer and ate some meat, before being given a laced drink and falling asleep on a bench outside. He was then ambushed.

“During the night, many people surrounded me. Tendai Alfonso stabbed me with a knife in the neck and chest, while others joined in . . . cutting up my body,” the woman said, speaking as Luckmore, adding that his body parts and blood had been harvested for traditional medicine before his remains were left near the shop.

It was Luckmore’s brother, Dzidzai Dziire, who brought the matter before Chief Mutasa, saying the family was still seeking answers despite Alfonso’s conviction. He said spiritual manifestations had begun in February, following the death of his child, Tavonga.

Relatives said their search for further answers was partly prompted by Alfonso’s own testimony during his trial, in which he said he had not acted alone.

“Alfonso told the court during his trial that he did not commit the act alone. We want to know the full truth about what happened to our relative and whether other people were involved,” said Jenny Dziire, a relative.

“We believe there may have been interference by other people, and we want all these allegations to be thoroughly investigated.”

However, those named by the spirit have maintained their innocence. Margaret Marume acknowledged seeing Luckmore on the day in question.

“We had brewed traditional beer for customers at the shop where I work. Luckmore came and asked Joseph for food, as he was eating at the time. He was given food, ate it and left,” she said, adding that she only learned of his death later, via a phone call. Another suspect, Shupikai, denied supplying the alcohol.

Following the hearing, Chief Mutasa referred the case to the police, and officers in attendance took the named suspects into custody for questioning.

More: The Sunday Mail

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