Three women in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe reportedly fled naked through a forest after a cleansing ritual with a ‘Goromonzi-based sangoma’ turned threatening.

The women identified as Pamela Bako, Shillah Mabvudzi, and another identified only as Talent, explained they were taken to a mountain by a traditional healer known as Sekuru Sinaro.

There, they were reportedly given herbs to ingest, bathe with, and wash their hands in. But the retreat soon descended into fear when they suspected they were being set up for sëxual assault.

Pamela said she grew suspicious after overhearing Sekuru Sinaro’s two male aides whispering about the women in a manner that suggested an imminent attack.

According to H-Metro, the sangoma had allegedly left them under the pretext of returning later, leaving the women alone with the men.

‘We had gone for a cleansing ceremony, but it ended badly after we were given some medicines to bathe, drink, and wash our hands with. We questioned why we had to view a mirror in a dark room while being watched by two men. Sekuru had left, and the men forced us to stay,’ Pamela said.

Pamela, who had her baby with her, said she refused to sleep at the shrine and was disturbed by one of the aides who remarked that Sekuru could pay her rent, a comment she interpreted as suggestive and inappropriate.

‘They were planning to treat us as their wives overnight,’ she said.

‘That’s when we ran into the forest, in different directions, around 7 p.m. I found my way to the main road and eventually made it to Harare. It was horrifying; I regret ever going there.’

The women’s revelation has sparked outrage in the community. Authorities are yet to confirm any arrests or investigation related to the incident.