Woman found in possession of a hyena tail, Arrested

A Mutare woman, 26, from Dangamvura high-density suburb has  been arrested after she was found in possession of a hyena tail.

Beauty Mhlanga who is staying with her sister in Dangamvura could not shed more light on how and why she was in possession of the tail of the npocturnal animal, which is highly associated with witchcraft in the African tradition.

When our news crew arrived at Dangamvura police Station on Wednesday afternoon, Mhlanga had been released on summons and is expected to appear in court soon.

Police also confirmed the incident and said Mhlanga had told the police that she was planning to sell the tail "as soon as possible".

The acting Manicaland provincial police spokesman, Sergeant Muzondiwa Clean, said Mhlanga claimed that she was given the hyena tail by a Malawian sangoma (traditional healer) for use to exorcise evil spirits, which tormented her.

Sergeant Muzondiwa said Mhlanga had visited her sister, Rudo when Simbarashe Mutara (33) overhead Mhlanga discussing with her sister about selling the hyena tail.

The stunned Mutara could not believe his ears. As usual, just like gossip, the secret became too heavy to keep.

Since Mutara and Mhlanga had recently quarreled over a debt on 23 April, Mutara found it noble to make a police report over Mhlanga's possession of a hyena tail.

"Mhlanga was picked for question. She then revealed that she was given the tail by a Malawian n'anga for use in exorcising evil spirits which tormented her," Sgt Muzondiwa said.

A hyena is considered a friendly and intelligent animal in Europe and other continents while in African society it cannot be separated from witchcraft.

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