Family of Four Accused of Killing Elderly Couple Over Witchcraft Allegations

By A Correspondent

The murder trial of a Masvingo man and his three daughters accused of killing his elderly parents over allegations of witchcraft has been postponed after a key State witness failed to appear in court.

The four appeared before the Masvingo High Court on 12 May 2026 before Justice Christopher Dube Banda facing charges related to the deaths of 92-year-old Tizirai Chidanhika and Miriam Korusiri, aged 77. The matter was remanded to 9 July 2026.

The accused are Rameck Chidanhika, his daughters Constancy Chidanhika (29), Vimbai Chidanhika (21), and a 16-year-old juvenile whose identity has been withheld in line with laws protecting minors.

Prosecutor Edwin Mbavarira told the court that the fatal attack allegedly stemmed from accusations that the elderly couple were practising witchcraft and causing misfortunes within the family.

According to the State, the incident took place on the morning of 11 October 2025 at the couple’s homestead. Prosecutors allege that Rameck and his daughters confronted Tizirai Chidanhika, accusing him of using goblins and witchcraft to torment the family.

Court papers state that the elderly man denied the allegations, leading to a violent altercation. The State alleges that Rameck grabbed a hoe his father had been using and assaulted him. Miriam Korusiri reportedly attempted to intervene but was also attacked.

Prosecutors further allege that Rameck later used a log to continue assaulting both victims while his daughters joined in the attack.

The elderly couple suffered severe injuries and died at the scene. Their bodies were later discovered by neighbours, who alerted the police.

During proceedings, Rameck reportedly admitted to killing his parents. However, his daughters denied participating in the fatal assault, although they admitted to briefly assaulting the deceased. They claimed they did not believe their actions would result in death.

The court also heard that post-mortem reports prepared by Dr Godfrey Zimbwa at Masvingo Provincial Hospital were submitted as evidence, together with several items allegedly used in the attack, including four logs and a wooden-handled hoe recovered by investigators.

The hearing was postponed after key witness Dzingirai Terera failed to attend court, with prosecutors informing the court that he was reportedly working in South Africa at the time of the hearing.