THE HERALD (Harare, Zimbabwe) 13 August 10 Witchcraft case: Court clears defendant
A Harare man who allegedly told a traditional healer that his mother gave him a snake has been cleared of accusing the 80-year-old woman of practising witchcraft.
Chitungwiza provincial magistrate Mr Brighton Pabwe acquitted Wilfred Mhanda of contravening Ssection 99(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act that criminalises labelling one as a witch or wizard without proof.
Mr Pabwe ruled that the mere fact that Mhanda told a healer that his mother had given him a snake was not enough to convict him.
"The offence is that ‘any person who groundlessly or by use of non-natural means accuses another person of witchcraft, shall be guilty of indicating a witch or wizard’.
"The mere mention that ‘I was given a snake by so and so’ in itself does not amount to indicating one a witch.
"Falling short of that, then the accusation is not within the definitions. The accused person is therefore found not guilty and discharged," ruled Mr Pabwe.
Allegations against Mhanda arose in May this year when he approached traditional healer at Zin’anga Village in Seke.
Witchcraft case: Court clears defendant