The alarming trend of instant justice for thieves has taken a disturbing turn. Instead of reporting theft to the police, more people are seeking help from prophets and sangomas to identify culprits, often driven by a lack of evidence that makes formal investigations difficult.
This shift in justice-seeking behavior has introduced unconventional and potentially dangerous methods of punishment.When a theft occurs, victims may struggle to trace the culprit, leaving them with no option but to turn to spiritual practitioners. In response, some prophets and sangomas unleash swarms of bees upon the alleged thief. This form of punishment forces the accused to confess and return the stolen items, along with a steep fine paid to the prophet or sangoma to lift the curse.
The fear of life-threatening consequences pushes the accused to comply, making this practice a perilous form of extrajudicial justice.In some cases, relatives and friends are called to intervene, desperately trying to rescue their loved ones from the relentless swarm.
The bees will only cease their attack once the payment satisfies the spiritual practitioner—without it, the accused may succumb to repeated stings, leading to severe injuries or even death. The long-term effects of such supernatural justice remain unknown, raising concerns about whether victims of these rituals suffer lasting health consequences.Legally, no individual has the right to punish a thief outside the boundaries of the law.
The correct procedure is to report crimes to the police, allowing them to conduct investigations and ensure justice through the courts. Yet, this practice of supernatural punishment raises questions: Should those who orchestrate such instant justice be held accountable for grievous bodily harm? If an accused person dies, should the responsible parties face murder charges?Beyond theft, similar methods of extrajudicial punishment are being applied to infidelity cases.
Some husbands resort to locking their wives through spiritual means—cursing them so that, if they engage in adultery, they become physically stuck to their lover until they die. This form of instant justice not only violates human rights but also disregards legal principles designed to protect individuals from cruel and inhumane treatment.
According to the constitution, no crime warrants the loss of life, as Zimbabwe has abolished the death penalty. The rise of supernatural justice contradicts the very essence of legal due process, replacing structured law enforcement with practices that may lead to severe bodily harm or death.Authorities must urgently address this growing scourge and ensure that justice is sought through legal means.
Law enforcement agencies, religious leaders, and policymakers should work together to raise awareness about the dangers of instant justice and encourage communities to rely on official legal processes rather than supernatural interventions.
