Fadzayi Mahere Sheds Light on Witchcraft Law Following Natalie Mhandu’s Arrest
The arrest of popular socialite and video vixen Natalie Mhandu — widely known as Enchantress or Madame Stylist — on allegations of practising witchcraft has reignited national interest in Zimbabwe’s complex legal framework surrounding supernatural claims.
Mhandu was taken into custody on Wednesday, 6 August, facing accusations related to occult practices.
While full details of the charges remain unclear, the arrest prompted lawyer and former MP Advocate Fadzayi Mahere to weigh in on what Zimbabwean law actually says about witchcraft.
Also Read: Natalie “Enchantress” Mhandu Nabbed For Witchcraft
“Witchcraft Cases Are Extremely Hard to Prove,” Says Mahere
Taking to her X (formerly Twitter) account, Mahere clarified that although Zimbabwe’s Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23] includes specific sections addressing witchcraft and related offences, these laws are challenging to enforce.
“FYI – There is a whole section of the Criminal Code dedicated to criminalising witchcraft, witch-finding and related crimes. However, these offences, especially witchcraft, are extremely difficult to prove because the law imposes an extremely high threshold on the State to prove witchcraft with intent to cause harm,” Fadzayi Mahere wrote.
She explained that intent to cause harm and expert evidence are crucial elements for a successful prosecution. Without proving that someone’s actions caused genuine fear or potential injury using non-natural means, the law offers little room to convict.
“The prosecution needs to call an expert to prove what constitutes witchcraft because “conduct commonly associated with witchcraft is not defined. You also have to prove intent to cause harm and that the practice inspired a real fear of harm on the part of the alleged victim. None of these elements is straightforward.”
Also Read: Natalie “Enchantress” Mhandu Nabbed For Witchcraft
Criminal Code Defines Key Terms
Mahere shared specific excerpts from the Act to outline how Zimbabwean law interprets witchcraft-related accusations. Under Section 98:
- Engaging in practices commonly associated with witchcraft with intent to harm and that inspire real fear is a punishable offence — up to five years imprisonment or a fine.
- Words alone do not constitute witchcraft unless accompanied by actual conduct.
- Accusing someone of being a witch without grounds is also criminal and punishable under Section 99.
Furthermore, courts do not take judicial notice of what is considered witchcraft. Instead, the prosecution must provide a qualified expert to testify whether a particular practice fits that definition.
Accusations Can Backfire
Perhaps most critically, false or unfounded accusations of witchcraft can land the accuser in legal trouble. Mahere noted that it is an offence to accuse someone of witchcraft “groundlessly or by the purported use of non-natural means.”
She concluded with a reminder:
“Also note that groundlessly accusing someone of witchcraft is also an offence.”
This provision is designed to protect individuals from being victimised or socially ostracised based on superstition or malicious gossip — something that has historically led to violence and discrimination.
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The post Fadzayi Mahere Breaks Down Zimbabwe’s Witchcraft Law After Natalie ‘Enchantress’ Mhandu’s Arrest appeared first on iHarare News.
