Avenging Spirit Torments Family, Demands Justice with 195 Cattle for 2008 Murder
In a case blending cultural tradition and justice, an avenging spirit (ngozi) has demanded 195 cattle from seven men accused of murdering Tencen Chikwaramiti in 2008. The extraordinary demand, confirmed at a traditional court presided over by Mambo Chiduku, followed a confession from one of the perpetrators, village headman Isaac Gandi.
The demands were specific: 27 cattle from each of the seven perpetrators, along with a hat and a pair of safety shoes, with Gandi and Brian Dhakazhe required to pay an additional three cattle each. The traditional court stressed that the terms were dictated solely by the avenging spirit, Ngozi, and not by the traditional authorities.
A Shocking Murder
The incident occurred in 2008 when Chikwaramiti was accused of cattle theft while moving his livestock at night, contravening local regulations.
Village headman Isaac Gandi admitted during the hearing that he was summoned by the village policeman, Enias Nyawu.
“Nyawu informed me they had caught someone moving cattle at night,” Gandi revealed.
When Gandi arrived, Chikwaramiti had already been severely beaten by Nyawu, Brian Dhakazhe, Aaron Matope, and Changadzo Watiwanana.
They decided to take him to the police, joined en route by Stanford Mujuru and Shingirai Chifamba.
Gandi admitted that along the way, “everyone continued assaulting him with fists, kicks, and switches.”
Chikwaramiti succumbed to his injuries that night. In a grim twist, the seven men divided his seven cattle among themselves after the murder.
Negotiations with the Spirit
At the traditional hearing, Gandi confessed to attempting to suppress the ngozi avenging spirit with juju charms and anointed water from apostolic sects following the 2008 murder.
However, his efforts failed, and the spirit continued haunting his family.
“The spirit tormented my sisters every night and caused untold misfortune,” Gandi disclosed.
On the day of the hearing, Gandi and his relatives brought twenty-eight cattle as the initial offering after two of the cattle ran away.
After extensive negotiations, the ngozi allowed him two additional days to deliver the remaining cattle.
Gandi revealed that 11 of the cattle came from his personal herd, while the remainder were contributed by his relatives.
The spirit, channelling through a relative, agreed to the arrangement but warned against further delays.
“The number of cattle increases with time,” the spirit said. “If you do not fulfil my demands now, the cost will rise.”
Gandi Nominates the Next Perpetrator To Face for 2008 Murder
With his reparation plan accepted, Gandi nominated Brian Dhakazhe as the next perpetrator to face the Ngozi’s demands for his role in the 2008 murder.
Gandi’s compliance marked him as the second individual to take responsibility, following Stanford Mujuru, who had already settled his dues.
The court confirmed that the reparations must be completed by all seven men to restore peace.
“This is not just about repaying a debt,” said Mambo Chiduku. “It is about respecting the spirit’s demands and restoring harmony in the community.”
Cultural Implications
The avenging spirit’s role in this case highlights the enduring influence of traditional beliefs in African justice systems.
Ngozi spirits are believed to enforce justice for unresolved crimes, bringing misfortune to wrongdoers and their families until restitution is made.
“This case reminds us that cultural values still hold significant weight in addressing past wrongs,” a local elder commented. “Avenging spirits act as custodians of justice in situations where conventional systems fail.”
With two of the seven men now making amends, attention turns to Dhakazhe and the others.
You can watch the traditional court proceedings on the video below courtesy of Nhimbe TV.
[Video Credit: Nhimbe TV]
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