A kleptomaniac Mutare woman claimed that her pregnancy dragged to 11 months after a “curse” was cast on her by one of her victims.
32-year-old Rosemary Sibanda, who resides in Mutare’s Hobhouse, recently gave birth to a healthy baby girl weighing 5.1kg after she was released from remand prison. She said:
When I was released from remand prison, my neighbours advised me to consult a prophet who lives nearby. The prophet told me that I had been cursed by one of my victims.
The prophet asked me to buy some spiritual water in Tsanzaguru, Rusape, and perform a small ritual with it. I followed the instructions and immediately went into labour.
When we reached Sakubva District Hospital, I gave birth in no time.
Sibanda blamed evils spirits for pushing her to break into people’s homes and stealing household items when she was heavily pregnant.
She was arrested and slapped with a 14-month jail term by a Mutare court after she was found guilty of breaking into Prudence Takawira’s house.
The magistrate however set aside 10 months of Sibanda’s sentence on condition of good behaviour.
The remaining four months were also set aside on condition that she pays US$150 to the complainant.
She was also fined $3 500 and failure to pay the fine would see her serving an effective 30 days in prison.