By Fanuel Chinowaita
MUTARE, Chikanga – A 19-year-old self-styled traditional healer was arrested in Mutare after he was allegedly found carrying a live puff adder and a cobra in a satchel, claiming the deadly reptiles hatched from eggs he received during a spiritual fortification ritual in Mozambique.
The suspect, identified as Gift Kanodeweta, who is also known as James Malunga and uses the traditional healer name Sekuru Kamutungunde, was arrested on June 26 at Federation, Chikanga, on allegations of unlawfully possessing protected wildlife without the requisite permit.
According to police, the suspect is facing charges of contravening Section 59(1)(b) of the Parks and Wildlife Act [Chapter 20:14], which prohibits the possession of certain wildlife species without authorization from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
ZRP Manicaland Acting Provincial Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the arrest.
“We arrested a 19-year-old man after he was found in possession of a live puff adder and a cobra without a permit issued by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority. Members of the public are reminded that possession of protected wildlife without lawful authority is an offence under the Parks and Wildlife Act,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Police said the arrest followed a report made by a Chikanga resident, Paradzai Clever Maendayi, who escorted the suspect to ZRP Chikanga after allegedly discovering that he was carrying the two snakes in a satchel.
The complainant reportedly informed police that the suspect claimed to be a traditional healer and said he used the snakes during rituals. Investigations allegedly established that he was not registered with the Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association.
During questioning, the suspect allegedly told investigators that although he was born and raised in Murehwa, his family originated from Malawi and that he had practised traditional healing from a young age.
In what police described as his explanation, the suspect claimed that he travelled to Mozambique in 2024 for spiritual fortification, where another traditional healer allegedly gave him two eggs. He reportedly told investigators that the eggs later hatched into the cobra and puff adder.
The suspect further allegedly claimed that he specializes in conducting rituals for people involved in mining, promising to enhance their fortunes.
Officials from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority later attended the scene and identified the reptiles as a puff adder and a cobra.
The snakes were confiscated and handed over to the authority, while the suspect was transferred to the CID Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit in Mutare for further investigations and processing.
Police urged members of the public to comply with wildlife conservation laws and report cases involving the unlawful possession of protected animals.