Johnson Progress

A self-proclaimed traditional healer was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment today after being convicted of sodomizing two young male clients who sought his spiritual assistance.

 

Lovemore Mutize (42), from Chinzanga Township, Mutoko, appeared before Mutoko Regional Magistrate Mukunyadze facing two counts of sodomy against victims aged 16 and 18.

 

He received 15 years for each count to run consecutively.

 

Prosecutor K. Munyimi presented evidence showing that Mutize exploited the victims’ vulnerabilities.

 

In March 2025, the first victim, a 16-year-old boy, visited Mutize seeking help for his aunt.

 

Mutize isolated the teenager, claiming he harboured evil spirits, and convinced him to bring USD 50.00, promising it would multiply.

 

When the youth returned three days later, Mutize manipulated him into staying overnight, falsely claiming the boy’s uncle was a Satanist plotting to kill him.

 

Sharing a bed, Mutize fondled the teenager, then forced him to undress and lie face down before committing sodomy.

 

Mutize repeated the assault on two further occasions before the victim reported him to police via his uncle.

 

The second conviction involved an 18-year-old man who approached Mutize seeking a “magic wallet” to multiply money.

 

Mutize similarly coerced him into an overnight stay.

 

During the night, Mutize demanded both remove their clothes and then sodomized the young man without consent.

 

Mutize threatened severe consequences, mental illness, physical handicap, or death if the victim refused or reported the assault.

 

In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Mukunyadze strongly condemned Mutize’s actions, emphasizing the profound betrayal of trust.

 

“Mutize, as a healer, was supposed to be a protector of those who came to him. Instead, he preyed on them,” the Magistrate stated.

 

The consecutive sentences reflect the severity of the crimes and the predatory pattern employed by Mutize against vulnerable individuals seeking his help.