Mom sells baby’s ear for US$20

Is this the sign of the times or just the way of life continuing - this report was in the Herald this morning


By Freeman Razemba

A CHIPINGE woman reportedly killed her 18-month-old baby and cut off one ear, which she sold to a Mozambican traditional healer for US$20.

Christine Hofisi (21) was allegedly paid US$10 with the balance to be paid later.

Police believe it was a case of ritual murder.

A fellow villager stumbled upon young Edmore Mutisi’s body in a bush and made a police report.

Deputy police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Oliver Mandipaka yesterday said Hofisi was in custody assisting them with investigations.

The Mozambican — known as Maheza — is facing criminal charges in his home country after he was last year found in possession of 11 human skulls.

"The woman is from Chipinge Southdowns Estate and she strangled her son to death and cut off his left ear," he said.

Chief Supt Mandipaka said Hofisi hid the body in a bush before paying a visit to the traditional healer.

"The traditional healer is notorious for ritual murders in Mozambique. Hofisi sold the ear for US$20, but was given US$10 with the balance to be paid later," he said.

The child’s body was taken to Chipinge Hospital mortuary for post-mortem.

Sources close to the investigations yesterday said Maheza was in February last year arrested in his home country for possessing 11 human skulls.

He was released on bail and subsequently sneaked into Manicaland Province in September last year.

The whereabouts of the traditional healer are unknown though it is believed that he has returned to Mozambique.

In July last year, two cases of ritual murder were reported.

A four-year-old boy was found without his private parts while a woman’s corpse was discovered with the brain and other organs missing.

A Mutare man was also arrested last year, about 17 years after he allegedly offered his son to be killed by one of his friends — a businessman — for ritual purposes.

Eliah Mutengwende of Marange was paid Z$150 000 by the businessman identified as Lishon Masiyakurimain 1992.