Massive crowd duped by juju hoax in Masvingo.

BY SAMUEL NJINGA

A shocking hoax swept through Masvingo yesterday, drawing nearly 1 000 people to the eastern thickets near the National Railways of Zimbabwe. The rumor claimed that two people had been discovered glued together in an intimate act, allegedly the result of a traditional African curse known as “Rukawu.”

Word of the bizarre incident spread like wildfire across the city. By mid-afternoon, the area around the railways was jammed with curious onlookers, some arriving on foot while others drove from CBD to witness the spectacle.

“I heard it from my business partner,” said one Masvingo resident who rushed to the scene. “They said it was a case of juju, and I just had to see it with my own eyes.”

However, after close to 30 minutes of frantic searching, it became apparent that the story was entirely fabricated. No individuals were found. This reporter was right on the scene when he overheard other people fueling lies that the “sexual thieves” had been whisked away in a police vehicle.

While many still believe in the power of traditional curses, police warned against spreading unverified stories that could incite unnecessary alarm.

“It’s unfortunate that so many people were misled by false information, people should desist from disseminating false information as this can lead to serious repercussions,” said the Masvingo police Spokesperson, Kudakwashe Dhewa.

The tale of Rukawu, a feared spiritual trap said to bind cheating lovers, is steeped in folklore across Zimbabwe. “People should be more careful before rushing to scenes based on rumors,” said a local official. “This type of mass hysteria could easily lead to dangerous situations.”

As the crowds dispersed, many expressed frustration over the wasted time and energy, while others chuckled at the absurdity of the situation. For now, Masvingo remains abuzz with talk of the hoax, as the town grapples with the reality of being duped by a story too sensational to be true.