2026年6月26日逮捕・7月5日報道、「富をもたらす蛇」を操る19歳の偽シャーマン、逮捕Arrested June 26, 2026; reported July 5, 2026 — Fake 19-Year-Old 'Traditional Healer' Arrested With Wealth-Giving Snakes

Gift Kanodaweta, 19, born in Murehwa, was arrested while operating as a self-styled traditional healer under the name 'Sekuru Kamutungunde,' after being found in possession of an unlicensed cobra and puff adder.

He claimed to use the venomous snakes in 'wealth-giving' rituals for miners, and initially claimed to be a traditional healer from Malawi despite being Zimbabwean-born and unregistered with ZINATHA, the traditional healers' association. He said he obtained the snake eggs in Mozambique in 2024, which later hatched.

Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka said Kanodaweta was found with the puff adder and cobra without the required Parks and Wildlife permits. The snakes were handed over to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, and Kanodaweta was transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department's Mineral Flora and Fauna Unit as investigations continue.