Two Women Drown In River While Performing Mermaid Rituals

Two women lost their lives in the Nyaure River in Bindura, Zimbabwe, during a ceremony thought to be connected to the contentious practice of “manjuzu,” a type of mermaid spirit worship that has been gaining popularity among some young women in Zimbabwe seeking riches or recognition.

The tragedy took place during a spiritual gathering led by a self-styled prophet who claimed the purpose was to summon mermaid spirits believed to reside in sacred waters. The prophet, whose name remains undisclosed, later told the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) that his wife was one of those who perished.

“I went with some women to pray and I wanted to invoke the mermaid spirits. These people had their own issues and during this process one of us was taken by the spirits,” he said. “We then went into the water to try and rescue her and one of them died. In the process, my wife also died during the rescue.”

The fatalities have reignited concerns about unauthorized rituals and the increasing popularity of spiritual practices tied to manjuzu, which frequently involve offerings and symbolic gestures performed in rivers and other water bodies.

Traditional leaders have voiced their unease. Headman Masembura denounced the ceremony and warned against conducting spiritual rituals without proper oversight or reverence for sacred sites.

“These are sacred waters, and there are underground spiritual creatures there. So, every time you go there you must follow proper rituals and you must ask the leaders of this place,” he said.

He further disclosed that the prophet admitted to bringing rice, sweets, biscuits, and wine as offerings to placate the mermaid spirits, reportedly on behalf of a deceased colleague.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli