Zimbabwe Court Jails Native Doctor 15 Years for Attempted Rape During Alleged Cleansing Ritual

A self-styled traditional healer has been sentenced to 15 years in prison by a Rusape court in Zimbabwe after he was found guilty of attempting to rape a woman during a purported spiritual cleansing ritual meant to address her marital problems.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the incident occurred on October 3, 2025, when 29-year-old Cain Mushayi visited the 34-year-old victim at her homestead in Village Domborembizi. He claimed he could remove goblins allegedly responsible for unrest in her home. Believing him, the woman granted him access to her unfinished two-roomed house to perform the ritual.

Once inside, the situation quickly deteriorated. Mushayi reportedly ordered the woman to remove her trousers, lit a fire on a stick, and placed it between her legs under the pretext of expelling supernatural forces. The ritual soon escalated into violence as he pushed her to the ground and attempted to force himself on her.

“The offender pushed the complainant to the floor, removed his clothes and attempted to force himself on her,” the NPAZ said in a statement. A struggle ensued, during which Mushayi ejaculated on the woman’s legs before she overpowered him. He fled the scene immediately after.

The woman later reported the assault, leading to Mushayi’s arrest and eventual conviction.

Following the sentencing, the NPAZ urged the public to be vigilant when approached by individuals posing as spiritual healers, particularly those offering unsolicited rituals in private spaces.

“This case serves as a stark warning against falling victim to fraudsters exploiting vulnerable individuals under the guise of spiritual healing,” the authority said.

The conviction has been described as a significant step toward curbing predatory crimes committed under the cover of traditional or spiritual practices.