Sangoma Accused of Demanding US$250,000 From Widow Over ‘Goblin’ Debt

By Staff Reporter

A traditional healer from Beatrice is under police investigation after allegedly demanding US$250,000 from a grieving widow, claiming her late husband owed him money for goblins he had allegedly supplied.

Sekuru Amos Kafera, of Gaths Farm in Beatrice, is accused of threatening to kill the widow and her children if she failed to settle the alleged debt.

Sangoma Accused of Demanding US$250,000 From Widow Over ‘Goblin’ Debt

The widow’s ordeal reportedly intensified when the traditional healer allegedly produced a python from a sack, claiming it belonged to her late husband.

Fearing for her safety and that of her children, the woman allegedly agreed to meet his demands.

Kafera is accused of sending workers to the widow’s home to collect a tractor, a disc plough, a Toyota D4D vehicle, 13 cattle and US$13,000 in cash.

The property and money allegedly taken were initially valued at more than US$60,000. However, the widow was reportedly still being pressured to pay an additional US$48,200.

The matter came to light after the woman confided in relatives about the alleged threats and demands. One of her grandchildren subsequently visited Kafera’s homestead and managed to recover the tractor and disc plough before the family reported the case to police.

Sources reportedly said property and cash valued at approximately US$33,000 had been recovered as investigations continued.

Police confirmed that investigations into the alleged extortion were underway.

Kafera has previously attracted public attention through media interviews in which he claimed to supply goblins to people from different walks of life, including religious leaders, businesspeople, sex workers, kombi operators, truck drivers and car dealers.

He has claimed that some clients seek his services to acquire wealth, gain spiritual powers to prophesy in churches, resolve marital disputes or reunite with estranged partners.

In another extraordinary claim reported by the media, Kafera said he had resurrected his nephew, Watson, in Mufakose after the man had allegedly been dead for four days. He claimed to have administered a two-litre drink before his nephew regained consciousness.

The healer has also claimed to assist at least 150 people daily and attributed his alleged spiritual abilities to Malawi.

In previous media accounts, he further claimed to have helped a late socialite couple improve their financial circumstances and acquire vehicles.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kafera reportedly said he was overwhelmed by people seeking traditional remedies, while advising patients to undergo testing at hospitals.

The latest allegations have sparked concern over the reported threats and the substantial sums and property allegedly demanded from the bereaved family.

Kafera has not been convicted of any offence in connection with the case. The allegations remain under police investigation, and the claims against him have yet to be tested in court.