Tinotenda Hove – The drowning of two women during a suspected manjuzu (mermaid spirit) ritual at Nyaure River in Bindura has sent shockwaves through the local community and drawn the ire of traditional leaders, who are now warning against the rising number of self-styled spiritualists exploiting sacred practices.

According to State media, the two victims were part of a group of five young women led by a self-proclaimed prophet on a spiritual retreat into the wilderness of Chief Masembura’s area.

The retreat quickly turned fatal when the women attempted to invoke mermaid spirits—a practice believed by some to bring fortune or fame.

Explaining the incident to the State broadcaster ZBC News, the self-styled prophet said: “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. 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 events have triggered fierce criticism and concern from traditional authorities.

“These are sacred waters, and there are underground spiritual creatures there,” warned Headman Masembura. “Every time you go there you must follow proper rituals and consult with the local leaders. We asked this prophet what he was doing, and he said he brought rice, sweets, biscuits and wine to appease the mermaid spirits of their deceased colleague. In this river, we have never heard of mermaids—but spiritual things are hard to understand.”

Manjuzu beliefs—centered on mermaid spirits that supposedly dwell in rivers and bestow wealth or status—have gained popularity, especially among young women. However, many traditionalists are raising the alarm over growing spiritual abuse and fraud.

Sekuru Nzou, a seasoned traditional healer, emphasized the importance of spiritual insight and protocol: “The thing that has happened here is shocking. Some people just say we are mermaids but there are procedures to be followed. People who go to rivers with others must have spiritual eyesight.”

He elaborated on the different types of manjuzu spirits: “There are real manjuzu and fake ones. Some people buy fake mermaid spirits and use magic which may lead them into Satanism. There are three types of mermaid spirits—manjuzu enhope who dream of spirits and collect medicine from rivers, and others that make people rich.”

Nyasha Simon, a self-proclaimed expert in marine spirituality, echoed the warning: “Manjuzu are real, but many of us young women are abusing them or being conned by fake prophets. If you go to the river with a hidden agenda, you can end up drowning because the spirits will reject you.”

The tragedy has reignited debate over the role of marine spirits in Zimbabwean spirituality and highlighted the dangers of unregulated rituals. It also brings into focus the growing concern over the commercialization and distortion of traditional African beliefs by unscrupulous individuals posing as spiritual leaders.

As the community mourns, traditionalists are calling for a return to proper practices and greater scrutiny to protect both cultural integrity and human life.