HARARE – Socialite Natalie Mhandu has walked free after witchcraft charges against her were withdrawn at the Harare Magistrates’ Court this week, before she had even entered a plea.
At her previous court appearance, prosecutors had indicated they were still awaiting a statement from Zinatha (Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association) and videos from cyber experts to strengthen their case.
However, Mhandu’s lawyer, Jeremiah Bhamu, confirmed to H-Metro that the matter had been struck off the roll.
“The charges were withdrawn before plea, that’s all I can say,” he said.
According to court papers, Mhandu was accused of recruiting her maid, Elizabeth Marire, to accompany her to a Glen View-based witchdoctor, Christine Matashu, popularly known as Manjenjenje.
The trio allegedly travelled to Churu Farm, where Mhandu was given instructions on how to cast a spell on a complainant. She reportedly wrote the names Mwarianesu, Amanda, Ishmael and Tariro Maumbe on a red cloth, before digging a hole and burying it along with a knife.
On their return home, tensions flared after Mhandu discovered snuff sprinkled around her bedroom. The maid later left her employment and allegedly tipped off the complainant about the ritual.
The complainant then accompanied her back to Churu Farm, where the buried items were reportedly retrieved.
