The tragic deaths have intensified concerns over unsanctioned rituals and the rising popularity of manjuzu-related practices, often involving offerings and symbolic acts carried out in rivers.
Two women have tragically drowned in the Nyaure River in Bindura, Zimbabwe, during a ritual linked to “manjuzu,” a controversial practice involving mermaid spirit worship, which is believed by some to bring wealth or fame.
The incident occurred during a spiritual session led by a self-proclaimed prophet who later confirmed to the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) that his wife was among the victims.
“I went with some women to pray and I wanted to invoke the mermaid spirits. These people had their own issues and during this process one of us was taken by the spirits,” the prophet explained. “We then went into the water to try and rescue her and one of them died. In the process, my wife also died during the rescue.”
The tragic deaths have intensified concerns over unsanctioned rituals and the rising popularity of manjuzu-related practices, often involving offerings and symbolic acts carried out in rivers.
Traditional leader Headman Masembura condemned the ritual and warned against performing spiritual ceremonies without proper respect for sacred sites.
“These are sacred waters, and there are underground spiritual creatures there. So, every time you go there you must follow proper rituals and you must ask the leaders of this place,” he said.
He added that the prophet admitted to bringing rice, sweets, biscuits, and wine as offerings to appease the mermaid spirits on behalf of a deceased colleague.
