Accused ‘witch’ commits suicide

By Brenda Saburi

CHIPINGE – Being labelled a “witch” by her only son forced a Chipinge woman (57) to cut her life short two weeks ago. The incident happened at Magezi homestead, Village 3 in Chief Musikavanhu’s area of Chipinge. 

It is alleged that Janie Magezi drank a pesticide after being accused of being a “witch” by her son, Worried Magezi. He accused her of being responsible for all the misfortunes he was facing in his life.

Deputy Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Luxson Chananda said: “Worried proceeded to their homestead at around 1pm. He was coming from the beerhall and was drunk.”

He said that when he arrived home, he found his mother in the kitchen preparing lunch. He started shouting at her accusing her of being a “witch” and that she wanted to kill him.

Asst Insp Chananda said Janie started crying and her 10-year-old daughter, who had heard them quarrelling, came and begged Worried not to abuse their mother.

“Worried allegedly forcibly ordered the little girl out of the kitchen and he continued insulting his mother. He told her that she was responsible for the deaths of their relatives and that she was the reason why he was still a bachelor.

“Janie allegedly left the homestead and disappeared into the maize fields. At around 6pm, Worried informed his uncle, Elias Chikerede (56), about the fight and also that Janie had not returned home.

“The two searched for her and found her dead in the maize field. An empty bottle of a pesticide was next to her body, while froth was coming from her mouth,” he said.

A police report was made and investigations are in progress. Manica Post