Harare, Zimbabwe – Popular socialite and businesswoman Natalie "Enchantress" Mhandu, aged 32, appeared before the Harare Magistrates' Court on Friday, August 8, 2025, to face sensational charges of contravening the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act by allegedly engaging in practices commonly associated with witchcraft. Mhandu appeared alongside her co-accused, Moudline Gumindoga, also aged 32.

The case, which has captivated public attention, stems from a complaint filed by two of Mhandu's former friends, Lolo Beauty Olinda Masara and Tadiwanashe Cheryl Taperesu, who allege the socialite used rituals to bewitch them following a personal dispute.

State's Case: Allegations of Sangoma Rituals and Unearthed "Juju"

The State, represented by prosecutor Thomas Chanakira, alleges that the dispute began in May of this year when Taperesu started dating a man who was previously involved with Mhandu. Following this, Mhandu allegedly confided in Gumindoga her intention to consult a sangoma to "fix" her former friends.

Socialite "Enchantress" Mhandu

The court heard that on July 29, 2025, Mhandu, accompanied by Gumindoga, allegedly travelled to a traditional healer in Chitungwiza. There, they are accused of supplying the sangoma with the complainants' full names and photographs. The traditional healer allegedly performed rituals, which included placing the complainants' pictures in a clay pot filled with juju. Mhandu and Gumindoga were reportedly instructed to return after three days to collect the pot.

The plot allegedly took a dramatic turn when Mhandu's domestic worker, **Concilia Chipfura**, who had been fired, reportedly informed Masara and Taperesu about the alleged rituals. Chipfura then allegedly led the two complainants to a stream at Pension Farm in Glen View, where they are said to have unearthed a red cloth. Inside the cloth, they allegedly found a knife and a clay pot containing the complainants' pictures, smeared with a black substance.

These items were subsequently taken to the police, forming the basis of the criminal complaint against Mhandu and Gumindoga.

Mhandu's Defense: A "Malicious Fabrication" by a Disgruntled Ex-Maid

In a sworn affidavit presented to the court, Natalie Mhandu vehemently denied all allegations, dismissing them as a "malicious fabrication" orchestrated by her disgruntled former maid, Concilia Chipfura. Mhandu's defense argues that the entire case is a vindictive plot designed to tarnish her reputation.

"It is denied that I engaged in practices commonly associated with witchcraft," Mhandu's affidavit reads. "The allegations are a malicious fabrication by my erstwhile maid, Concilia Chipfura, who is bitter that I terminated her employment contract... The State case is weak and does not warrant my placement on remand."

Bail Granted, Case Continues

Both Natalie Mhandu and Moudline Gumindoga were granted ZWL$500,000 bail each by Harare Magistrate Dennis Mangosi. As part of their bail conditions, they were ordered not to interfere with state witnesses and to continue residing at their given addresses. The case is set to return to court on September 5, 2025.

The court appearance has added a new layer of intrigue to the case, officially placing the conflicting narratives of alleged rituals and malicious fabrication before the judicial system.