Two men from Epworth are starting a nine-month prison sentence after being found guilty of a shocking crime. The duo kidnapped a 15-year-old girl with the intention of forcing her into the mysterious world of a “manjuzu” cult.
According to court records, the incident occurred on September 25, 2025. The victim arrived at the home of Fortunate Anesu Nyandoro (30) and Tadiwanashe Benjamin (25) in the Green Valley area. She told them she had run away from her aunt, who she claimed was trying to make her drink herbs. Instead of helping the girl by contacting her family or the authorities, the two men kept her hidden at their home and began their attempts to induct her into their “manjuzu” practices.
For days, the girl’s family searched frantically for her. Throughout this traumatic time, Nyandoro and Benjamin allegedly pretended to have no knowledge of the teenager’s whereabouts.
ZBC reports that their deception was finally exposed thanks to a crucial tip-off received by the police on 3 October 2025. Officers raided the suspects’ house, where they made a disturbing discovery. The 15-year-old girl was found inside, and she appeared to be under the influence of drugs.
The two men were immediately arrested. After a full trial, they were convicted at the Epworth Magistrates Court on 7 October 2025.
The case has reignited public debate about “manjuzu,” a phenomenon that has been discussed in hushed tones across Zimbabwe. According to a report by the Masvingo Mirror, this craze is often driven by a desperate desire for wealth. The publication describes it as a cult-like practice where individuals are initiated by, or purchase, what are described as marine or mermaid spirits.
One woman, who spoke anonymously, gave a chilling account of her initiation:
“During the process, we ate cooked and uncooked rice, had wine and various other foods which we were made to understand as seafood. I could, however, not establish the real nature of the food.”
She went on to reveal how rituals were designed to make initiates extract money from wealthy individuals.
“We also had nyora (tattoo) next to our private parts and right hands so that anyone we sleep with or hold hands and rub sexually becomes our slave, giving us anything we want. I get as much money as I want from them.”
While some participants, such as a woman identified only as Keisha, defend “manjuzuThese njuzu have different categories including svovanepasi (residing on land), garadziva (those residing in the waters), garamakomo; spirits that reside in mountains like Mount Inyangani, which are responsible for the disappearance of some people, among others.”Cult yema njuzu ino kidnepa vanhu ichienda naye kupi. Vaida kurepa mwana haiwawo
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