By Alice Mangwanda
Mode Matope from Matope village dragged her daughter-in-law a before Chief Chinamhora’s traditional court over witchcraft allegations.
The circumstances are that, Israel Mashonganyika, son of Rosalia Mashonganyika, returned from South Africa to visit his mother. Upon arrival, he decided to visit his in-laws in Glenview to celebrate his child’s birthday.
Tragically, Israel collapsed and died at his in-laws’ home, sparking allegations of witchcraft against Gogo Matope and her neighbor, Rosalia (the deceased’s mother). Gogo Matope, speaking before the court, recounted her ordeal: “Ndirikunzi ndakadya mwana wemuvakidzani wangu (It is alleged that I ate my neighbor’s son, Rosalia Mashonganyika).” When asked if she indeed consumed the deceased, Gogo Matope vehemently denied the accusations, stating, “Handina kumbodya munhu ini (I did not eat a human being).”
Mildred Jachi, accused of spreading the allegations against her mother-in-law, also denied any involvement: “Ndakashamisika ndichipihwa summon, nyaya yacho handisi kuiziva. Handina kumbodaro (I was surprised to be given a summons; I don’t know about this issue. I never said that).”
A postmortem report later confirmed that Israel’s death was caused by cerebrovascular accident or head stroke. He had not been ill prior to his death.
Gogo Matope also revealed unresolved issues with her daughter-in-law, stating, “Muroora akambondituka achiti ndirihure mushure mekunge ndamudzinga mu garden mangu nekuda kwepamuromo (My daughter-in-law insulted me, calling me a prostitute after I had chased her out of my garden due to her talkativeness).”
The court, lacking sufficient evidence to substantiate the witchcraft allegations against Gogo Matope, ruled that Jachi must pay either two goats or $120 for insulting her mother-in-law.
