Woman kidnaps ex-lover and forces him to sl33p with her without protection to ‘remove rituals’
In a deeply disturbing and bizarre case that has sparked nationwide outrage in Zimbabwe and across social media platforms, a 26-year-old woman from Harare, Amanda Chizanga Chakanyuka, has been arrested for allegedly orchestrating the kidnapping and sexual assault of her former lover, 38-year-old Linos Gapanga, under the claim that the act would “remove rituals” he had allegedly inflicted on her.
The incident, which unfolded on Saturday, July 12, 2025, in the Glen View and Highfield suburbs of Harare, has raised urgent questions about the weaponization of spiritual beliefs in acts of violence, the blurred boundaries of consent in culturally charged scenarios, and the gross underreporting of sexual crimes committed against men.
According to official police reports and multiple eyewitness accounts gathered from the Glen View 7 neighborhood, Amanda and five unidentified male accomplices forcefully entered Gapanga’s residence at around 7:30 p.m. The group allegedly confronted the unsuspecting man with accusations of rape and impregnation, claims that Linos categorically denied.
“I was shocked to see Amanda walking in with five men I had never seen before,” Gapanga told H-Metro, a Harare-based tabloid. “They said I raped her and got her pregnant, which isn’t true. We broke up months ago.”
Within moments, the confrontation escalated into abduction. Gapanga was dragged from his home into a black BMW with Zimbabwean registration number ACD 9485, while Amanda and other accomplices followed in a Ford Ranger (ADG 3211). He was taken to a lodging facility called Machipisa Pink Lodge in the Highfield area, a location known for short-term rentals.
There, the situation became even more distressing. Gapanga claims that three of the men physically assaulted him, delivering blows to his face and ribs, before forcing him into a room where Amanda was waiting.
“They said I had to sleep with her without protection to remove some rituals I had apparently left on her,” Gapanga explained. “It didn’t make any sense, but they were threatening to beat me more. I was terrified.”
Following the alleged forced sexual encounter, Gapanga says Amanda and her group took his wallet containing US$142 and multiple bank cards. He was released sometime later and, despite the trauma, immediately reported the matter to the local police.
Medical personnel at Sally Mugabe Hospital, where he was referred by law enforcement, documented signs of assault, including a swollen face, bruised ribs, and severe headache. A full medical examination was conducted, though results related to the alleged sexual violation remain confidential due to privacy laws.
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Harare Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the arrest of Amanda and said a manhunt was underway for the five male accomplices.
“Police arrested a woman in connection with a kidnapping and robbery case in Highfield. The case involves ex-lovers and five other men. The complainant sustained a swollen face, rib pains, and was treated at Sally Mugabe Hospital. Investigations are ongoing,” he stated.
Amanda’s bizarre claim — that she needed to engage in unprotected sex with her ex-lover to “remove rituals” — has prompted a torrent of commentary from spiritualists, cultural experts, and psychologists. While spiritual cleansing rituals involving sex are not new in parts of Southern Africa, this case is particularly troubling due to the element of coercion and violence.
“Traditionally, some communities have believed in sexual acts as a form of ritual purification or spiritual restoration, especially after claims of witchcraft or ritual curses,” said Dr. Emelda Munemo, a Harare-based anthropologist. “But these beliefs are being dangerously weaponized in modern settings to justify abuse and assault.”
Amanda’s claim appears rooted in a belief that her ex-lover had implanted a spiritual blockage or curse during their past relationship — a common superstition in parts of Zimbabwe where notions of “spiritual husband/wife” attachments are widely held.
However, experts agree that regardless of the cultural undertones, any act of sexual contact under coercion, threat, or duress constitutes a criminal offense.
“This was not a ritual — it was rape and abduction,” said Tafadzwa Muchengeti, a lawyer and human rights advocate. “Beliefs do not excuse violence. Courts must treat this with the seriousness it deserves.”
One of the most difficult aspects of the case, according to activists, is the victim’s gender. In many societies, including Zimbabwe, sexual violence against men is underreported, trivialized, or outright dismissed — often leading to a culture of silence.
Gapanga’s courage to speak publicly about his ordeal has garnered support from some corners, but also ridicule from others online.
“Social media is not being kind to this man,” noted Nomusa Chari, a gender-based violence (GBV) coordinator. “He’s being laughed at, with people saying ‘he should be grateful’ or ‘how can a man be raped?’ This is not just wrong — it’s dangerous.”
Chari emphasized that men can and do suffer sexual violence, often at the hands of people they once trusted. “Just because the perpetrator is a woman does not make it any less traumatizing,” she said.
In 2019, a similar case in South Africa made headlines when a man was reportedly drugged and sexually assaulted by a female employer under the guise of a ‘ritual cleansing’ after he quit his job. That case, however, never made it to court due to “insufficient evidence.”
“There’s a pattern here,” said Chari. “And it’s time for the justice system to confront it head-on.”
Zimbabwean law, like many legal systems, has traditionally defined rape in gender-specific terms — typically with male perpetrators and female victims. However, recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act have expanded the definitions of sexual violation to recognize non-consensual acts against both genders.
Section 65 of Zimbabwe’s criminal code now includes “aggravated indecent assault” and other categories of sexual offenses that do not require penile penetration to qualify as rape. These provisions, experts say, should be applicable in Amanda’s case.
“If a man is forced — under physical or psychological coercion — to have sex, that is a sexual crime,” said Advocate Tinashe Mazura, a Harare-based criminal defense attorney. “We must look beyond outdated definitions. This case ticks the boxes of kidnapping, aggravated assault, and coerced sex.”
Mazura added that Amanda could face charges under the following provisions:
- Kidnapping or unlawful detention (Section 93),
- Robbery (Section 126),
- Aggravated indecent assault (Section 66),
- And possibly sexual coercion or psychological abuse under Zimbabwe’s Domestic Violence Act.
Gapanga, still recovering from the physical and emotional trauma, says he is determined to pursue justice — not just for himself but for other male victims who may be suffering in silence.
“I didn’t deserve what happened to me,” he told reporters outside the police station. “I was beaten, humiliated, and violated by someone I once trusted. I want those people arrested and held accountable. All of them.”
He has also appealed to law enforcement to investigate whether Amanda has previously harmed others, saying, “I don’t believe this was her first time. She sounded too confident.”
His family has rallied around him, with his older sister describing Amanda as “dangerous and manipulative.” “She obsessed over Linos after their breakup. She kept calling and threatening him. He blocked her. We didn’t think she would go this far,” she said.
As of press time, Amanda remains in police custody at the Highfield Police Station, where she is being interrogated. Officers say she has refused to disclose the identities of her five male accomplices, claiming she only met them “through a friend.”
“We are still verifying her claims,” said one senior police officer anonymously. “But we have video footage from the lodge and CCTV from Glen View. Arrests will be made soon.”
Inspector Chakanza has urged members of the public with any information about the men who participated in the abduction and assault to come forward. “This case cannot be resolved unless we locate the others. No one is above the law,” he said.
The case has generated a firestorm on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and WhatsApp groups. While some users expressed disbelief and confusion, others voiced anger and solidarity with the victim.
@MandlaWrites: “Imagine if the roles were reversed — this woman would already be in court. But because it’s a man, people are joking. This isn’t funny. It’s criminal.”
@ZimFeminista: “We must acknowledge that men can be sexually violated too. Gender-based violence goes both ways. #JusticeForLinos”
However, some netizens posted memes and jokes that belittle the experience, calling Gapanga “lucky” or mocking the idea of being forced to have sex.
“This reaction is exactly why male victims don’t speak out,” warned Tariro Dzvairo, a clinical psychologist. “Rape is not a joke. And when society mocks male survivors, it perpetuates a cycle of silence, shame, and suffering.”
As Amanda Chakanyuka awaits her next court appearance, there is growing hope among activists and legal professionals that this high-profile case could prompt reforms — both legal and cultural.
“We must start teaching that coercion, blackmail, and spiritual manipulation have no place in sexual relationships,” said Dr. Munemo. “We must update our school curriculums, our laws, and our social norms to recognize all forms of abuse.”
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission has announced that it will be monitoring the case closely and is expected to release a formal statement in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the broader Zimbabwean public is left to confront uncomfortable truths: That male victims of sexual violence exist, that cultural myths can mask serious abuse, and that justice must never discriminate on the basis of gender.
CASE STATUS (as of July 16, 2025):
- Amanda Chakanyuka remains in police custody.
- A warrant has been issued for the arrest of five unnamed male accomplices.
- Victim recovering and cooperating with investigators.
- Charges likely to include kidnapping, aggravated indecent assault, and robbery.
- Next court hearing expected later this month.