In our modern world it’s surprising to still hear about witch trials and witch hunters, but in Zimbabwe it’s an everyday reality. The practice of witchcraft has only been legal in Zimbabwe since 2006, it’s practice originally being outlawed while under colonial rule.

Witch’s are sought out for all sorts of reasons better crops, relationship problems and of course revenge. And while the practice of witchcraft has become marketable in the country so has the practice of hunting them.

Known as Tsikamutanda, they play both the role of witch hunter and exorcist. Charging exorbitant fees to break curses and drive out supposed witches from “cursed” villages. Using different religious methods and prayer they believe they can drive out evil spirits that are brought into homes and businesses by witches. Or at least that is what the Tsikamutanda convince people.

Since, 2016 though the authorities in Zimbabwe have been trying to crackdown on the spread of the Tsikamutanda not only because of the fact that in many cases these people swindled out of much needed money, but also because in some instances intervention by a Tsikamutanda have led to mob violence against the witches in question.