By Patience Gondo
A self-proclaimed traditional healer who lured a woman into a so called cleansing ritual before attempting to rape her has been jailed for 15 years.
In a statement on Tuesday , The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe said Cain Mushayi, 29, the fake healer, was convicted by the Rusape Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecutors proved that he manipulated a 34-year-old married woman by promising to chase away goblins allegedly causing instability in her home, NPAZ said.
It said the ordeal began on October 3 2025 when Mushayi arrived at the complainant’s homestead in Domborembizi, Village under Chief Makoni.
Mushayi claimed being a traditional healer with capacity to cure her marital challenges.
Desperate for help, the woman allowed him into her two roomed house, still under construction where he said the rituals needed to be performed.
Once inside, the situation quickly shifted from supposed healing to forced romance.
Mushayi instructed the woman to remove her trousers and lit a fire on a stick, placing it between her legs while claiming it would drive away the goblins troubling her.
The bizarre act turned violent as he pushed the woman to the floor, removed his clothes and attempted to rape her.
A struggle ensued as the complainant fought back. During the fight, Mushaui came on her legs.
It is after that he became weak and she managed to overpower him.
Mushayi fled the scene but was later arrested and brought to court.
The NPAZ said the sentence should serve as a strong warning against individuals posing as spiritual healers to exploit vulnerable communities.
NPAZ said the public should be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited rituals or private spiritual services, stressing that such encounters can expose people especially women to grave danger.