By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Social media personality Natalie Mhandu, facing allegations of practising witchcraft, has been released from remand after her trial failed to start at the Harare Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecutors told the court they were not ready to proceed, citing the need to record a statement from the Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (Zinatha) and obtain a video from cyber experts. Presiding magistrate Ms Sikhethile Moyo expressed frustration at the repeated delays and ordered that the matter proceed by way of summons once investigations are complete.
Court papers allege that Mhandu invited her former maid, Elizabeth Mharire (48), to visit traditional healer Gogo Christine Matashu, known as Manjenjenje, in Glen View. They reportedly travelled to Churu Farm, where Mhandu is said to have taken part in a ritual involving a red cloth, snuff, and a knife (bakatwa).
Ms Mharire later claimed she found snuff scattered in her bedroom and on a toilet seat, and said Mhandu told her the incidents were caused by her ancestral spirit. After leaving Mhandu’s employment, Mharire alleged that Mhandu had cast a bad spell on her and showed her the site where the rituals occurred.
Removal from remand does not mean charges are dropped. In Zimbabwe, when a case proceeds “by way of summons,” the accused is only recalled to court if the State later serves formal papers. Many such cases fade quietly without a formal acquittal if police or prosecutors do not follow up.
Journalist Blessed Mhlanga noted on X:
“It’s not a good thing to be removed from remand charges can still be pursued after a year. It also suggests lack of evidence.”