Natalie Mhandu Taken Off Remand In Witchcraft Case – Here Is What It Really Means

Natalie Mhandu Removed From Remand On Witchcraft Charges

Social media personality Natalie Mhandu, who was facing allegations of practising witchcraft, has been removed from further remand after her trial failed to commence yesterday.

The State told the court that it was not ready to proceed and would instead summon her when it was prepared to go to trial.

Court Says State Not Ready

Prosecutors informed the Harare Magistrates’ Court that they still needed to record a statement from the Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (Zinatha) and obtain a video from cyber experts.

Presiding magistrate Ms Sikhethile Moyo voiced her displeasure over the delays and ordered that the matter proceed by way of summons once investigations were complete.

According to court papers, Mhandu allegedly asked her former maid, Ms Elizabeth Mharire (48), to accompany her to see a traditional healer, Gogo Christine Matashu, known as Manjenjenje, in Glen View.

The two reportedly went to Churu Farm, where Mhandu is alleged to have taken part in a ritual involving a red cloth, snuff, and a knife (bakatwa).

Ms Mharire later claimed to have found snuff scattered in her bedroom and on a toilet seat. She said Mhandu told her that the occurrences were caused by the maid’s ancestral spirit.

After leaving Mhandu’s employment, Ms Mharire alleged that Mhandu had cast a bad spell on her and took her to the site where the rituals were allegedly performed.

What Removal From Remand Really Means

Legal experts say removal from remand does not mean the charges have been dropped.

Journalist Blessed Mhlanga commented on X:

“Ooooh ok – it’s not a good thing to be removed from remand, they can still peruse charges after a year. Also shows lack of evidence too.”

In Zimbabwe, when a case is said to “proceed by way of summons”, it means the accused will only return to court if the State later serves them with formal court papers.

While the State reserves the right to summon within the statutory period, in many cases this step is never taken, effectively ending the matter without a formal acquittal. Examples include minor fraud cases, public disorder allegations, and even some high-profile corruption matters where investigations stalled.

Legal practitioners say that without active follow-up by the police or prosecutors, such cases often fade away quietly.