A 60-year-old witch doctor in Chadiza District is on the run after allegedly defiling his 15-year-old granddaughter under the guise of administering traditional herbal medicine.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba has confirmed to Diamond News that the incident occurred in the early hours of May 17, 2026, around 1:00hrs in Mphula Village, Chadiza District.
The suspect, identified as Doctor Sesema Zulu, a traditional healer from Mpeta Village, reportedly convinced the girl’s parents to let him take her alone to receive special medicine.
After sharing a meal prepared by the suspect’s daughter, Mr. Zulu insisted on escorting the teenager to a nearby location for treatment.
The parents, trusting the grandfather, allowed her to go.
On a secluded bush path, the witch doctor ordered the girl to bend and throw medicine into a hole. Instead, he pushed her down, removed her pants, and had carnal knowledge of her. The victim screamed, but no one heard.
After the assault, the suspect fled and has not returned.
The girl managed to walk back home and narrated her ordeal to her parents.
The matter was reported at Chadiza Police Station at 1:30hrs the same day.
Police have opened a docket and instituted investigations into the defilement of a child under 16 years.
By Samuel Khwawe
