By Admore Mbonda in Hurungwe
Hurungwe-A tense drama unfolded at Chief Chundu’s court in Hurungwe after a 33-year-old man, confirmed to be suffering from spiritual affliction popularly known as Rukawo/Runyoka, allegedly worsened following intimate relations with his longtime friend’s wife.
The accused, Frank, a longtime friend to the complainant, Leonard, faced traditional court proceedings after Leonard’s condition reportedly deteriorated so severely that he was feared for his life.
According to court records and testimony heard during the hearing, the matter began when Frank allegedly slept with Leonard’s wife. Leonard, who addressed the court, told Chief Chundu that he had repeatedly warned Frank in the past to desist from sleeping with his wife.
“I warned Frank several times,” Leonard said. “But he could not listen. That is when I decided to go to a sangoma from Binga who helped me lock my wife.”
“When Chief Chundu asked Frank, Frank told the court that I was sleeping With his wife, but i did not believe what had happened,” Frank testified.
“He even wanted to see for himself, and that is when my stomach started swelling. Then I realized something was wrong.”
Frank further told the court that when he understood the gravity of the matter, he approached Leonard and sought peace.
“I quickly approached my friend Leonard and asked for forgiveness,” Frank said. “I also had to surrender my motorbike and one bovine.”
However, the court was not persuaded by Frank’s explanation, noting that the suffering and alleged spiritual affliction had brought serious harm and public disorder to the community.
After hearing both sides, Chief Chundu delivered judgment, sentencing Frank to make restitution to Leonard.
The chief ruled that:
Frank must pay four cows to Leonard, as compensation for the harm caused.
Leonard was fined two goats for “taking the law into his hands” after approaching spiritual solutions and confronting the matter in a way the court considered improper.
Leonard’s wife was ordered to pay one bovine to Frank’s wife.
The decision ended what many described as a high-pressure feud marked by fear, spiritual claims, and financial loss within the community.
Elders and residents said cases involving spiritual afflictions and marital misunderstandings remain sensitive in Hurungwe, urging parties to settle disputes through proper channels rather than escalating conflicts.
Chief Chundu’s court, as a result, reminded all community members to respect both traditional procedure and one another’s households.
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