Harare Prophet arrested for ritual murder of 12-year-old Anesu: He removed the boy’s private parts after killing him

Harare – A chilling case of ritualistic murder has gripped Eastview, Harare, following the arrest of a self-styled prophet from the Johanne Masowe yeChishanu sect. Madzibaba Tapiwa Mukura, 32, stands accused of killing 12-year-old Keith Anesu John, a member of his church, and removing some of his private parts for suspected ritual purposes.

The gruesome discovery was made on Sunday morning, after Madzibaba Tapiwa reported Anesu missing to the boy’s mother. According to reports, Madzibaba Tapiwa had been staying with Anesu, a church member, for over a month. On Sunday at around 6am, Madzibaba Tapiwa went to Anesu’s mother’s house claiming that he could not locate the deceased.

Suspicion arose when neighbours, informed of the missing boy, noticed a trail of blood leading from the doorstep of the house where Anesu had been staying with the prophet. Following the blood trail, they discovered Anesu’s lifeless body in a nearby yard, concealed between sweet potato ridges.

The scene was horrific. The deceased’s head was covered with soil and his clothes had some blood stains while his trousers were at knee level. A pair of scissors was stuck on the right side of the deceased’s neck and a small cut on the right cheek. The victim’s scrotum was cut open.

Upon interrogation, Madzibaba Tapiwa allegedly confessed to the heinous crime, admitting to killing Anesu with the intention of selling his private parts to an undisclosed buyer. The motive, according to reports, was financial gain.

Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the arrest and the ongoing investigation. “Police in Ruwa arrested a self-styled prophet in connection with murder,” said Insp Chakanza. “The deceased body was found with some cuts and missing body parts. Investigations are continuing.”

This disturbing incident has brought the issue of ritual killings and the dark practice of “kuromba” into sharp focus. While this case is particularly shocking, it is not an isolated incident. Ritual killings, driven by superstition and the belief in the power of human body parts, persist in various parts of Africa.

The belief that human body parts can bring wealth, power, or success fuels a sinister trade, often preying on the vulnerable. Unscrupulous individuals, driven by greed, seek out traditional healers, mapostori, or witchdoctors who claim to possess the knowledge to harness the “spiritual power” of human remains.

In Zimbabwe, this practice is commonly known as “kuromba,” a form of witchcraft where individuals seek to enhance their wealth or business prospects through ritualistic means. While some may achieve their desired outcomes, the consequences are often devastating.

Kuromba, while promising quick riches or success, is often believed to come at a steep price. Traditional beliefs hold that such practices invite malevolent spirits into the lives of those involved, leading to a cascade of misfortune. Families may experience mysterious deaths, unexplained illnesses, and a pattern of broken relationships. Women and men may find themselves unable to marry, or marriages may collapse under unclear circumstances.

The pursuit of wealth through such dark means is often seen as a violation of natural and spiritual laws, resulting in a disruption of harmony and balance within the family and community. While the allure of quick riches may tempt some, the long-term consequences are often far more severe than any perceived benefit.

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