Natalie Mhandu, a Zimbabwean socialite known as “Enchantress,” was accused of bewitching two former friends, including a woman named Tatenda Butau, through alleged witchcraft rituals. It also emerged in court that she tried to bewitch her own maid and was caught red-handed sprinkling snuff on the maid ‘s bed.
The accusations claim Mhandu wrote their names on a red cloth, wrapped it around a knife, sprinkled snuff powder on it, and buried it under a muhacha (mahogany) tree, reportedly with the help of a traditional healer named Christine Matashu, also known as Manjenjenje. These claims surfaced after a fallout, allegedly over a romantic relationship, and were brought to light by Mhandu’s former domestic worker, Elizabeth Mharirire, who informed the complainants about the rituals. Mhandu was charged under Section 98 of Zimbabwe’s Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act but was released unconditionally by the Mbare Magistrate’s Court on August 6, 2025.
She denied the allegations, claiming they were fabricated by her former maid and part of a social media campaign against her. No physical evidence directly linking Mhandu to the ritual items was presented in court. A former maid of Natalie’s reportedly led authorities to a location in Glen View’s Pension Farm, where evidence, including a red cloth and knife with the names of the alleged victims, was uncovered.
The Maid, Elizabeth Mharire found snuff on her bed that had been sprinkled by Natalie in her absence. The rituals was performed at Churu farm in Glenview. Natalie wrote various names on a paper (Mwarianesu, Amanda, Ishmael and Tariro Maumbe) and wrapped them around a red cloth and sprinkled snuff before burying the the things into the ground with the big knife facing downwards (Bakatwa).
On July 5, Elizabeth returned home to find that Natalie had sprinkled snuff on her own bed. When asked why she was doing those things, Natalie retorted that it was Elizabeth’s ancestors who had done those things.Natalie then took Elizabeth’s phone and deleted all their pictures together saying she did not want to post them on social media.
On July 9, the maid led Tariro to the scene where Natalie had buried the items in question. She will be back in court on August 13.
