A self-proclaimed 19-year-old prophet from Kwekwe in Zimbabwe and a 45-year-old woman have been arrested for allegedly faking a witchcraft incident to boost the prophet’s popularity.
Midlands Provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, confirmed the arrests of Prophet Brighton Muroyi, also known as Madzibaba Heavynisher, and Revai Kweza. He said the duo is being charged with causing a public nuisance.
“Arrested are the self-proclaimed Prophet Brighton Muroyi, also known as Madzibaba Heavynisher, aged 19, of an Apostolic Faith Sect, and Revai Kweza, the alleged ‘witch,’ a 45-year-old woman from Mkoba 18, Gweru,” he said.
The incident took place on February 17 in Kwekwe. Investigations revealed that Muroyi had hired Kweza to stage a fake supernatural event at his shrine, hoping to gain attention and build his reputation. Kweza was hired to pretend to be a trapped witch.
“On 17 February, at around 8 AM, Revai Kweza was found seated inside a locked and gated house in Mbizo 3, Kwekwe. The house is located near a Johane Masowe eChishanu Apostolic Faith Sect shrine. She was dressed in black skin-tight clothing, a black bra, and a black headscarf,” said Inspector Mahoko.
News of the trapped witch spread rapidly, drawing a large crowd. Police responded to the scene and began questioning Kweza, who soon admitted to being part of a staged hoax. She implicated Brighton Muroyi, revealing that the entire incident had been planned to increase his popularity.
“During questioning, Kweza implicated Brighton Muroyi. It was later established that they had staged the entire event to increase Madzibaba Heavynisher’s popularity,” he added.
Further investigations uncovered WhatsApp messages between the two, detailing their arrangement, including the payment Kweza was set to receive for playing the role of a witch. Both suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.