The family of murder suspect Shepherd Severa has reportedly been ordered to pay five cattle as part of traditional proceedings following the death of Brian Nandana, who was allegedly murdered earlier this week, Hurumende News Hub has learnt.
According to a source within the Severa family who spoke on condition of anonymity, the payment of the five cattle is considered the initial stage of negotiations between the two families and is meant to pave the way for discussions surrounding the appeasement of the deceased’s spirit.
The five cattle demanded are reportedly to be paid in cash form valued at approximately US$2,000 and are specifically meant for burial-related proceedings.
“The Nandana family demanded only five cattle for burial purposes. After that, both families will sit down and discuss the issue of appeasing the spirit of the deceased,” the source said.
The source added that the Severa family believes the appeasement process cannot begin before consultations with traditional spirit mediums are conducted to determine the proper cleansing procedures.
“As the Severa family, we cannot begin the appeasement process before consulting spirit mediums to understand what the deceased’s spirit wants,” the source said.
In many Zimbabwean traditional communities, particularly among the Shona people, families of perpetrators in murder or unnatural death cases often engage in a cultural practice known as kuripa ngozi a process intended to appease the avenging spirit of the deceased.
Traditionally, it is believed that failure to appease the spirit may result in misfortunes such as illness, deaths, or recurring bad luck affecting the offender’s family.
The appeasement process typically involves negotiations between the two families and may include compensation in the form of cattle, money, or other agreed terms depending on the customs and agreements reached by both families.
Traditional healers and spirit mediums are often consulted to guide the process in line with cultural customs and beliefs.
The murder case involving Shepherd Severa remains under investigation.
Nandana was reportedly murdered last week by his friend, Shepherd Severa, under circumstances that remain unclear, in a case that has left many Zimbabweans shocked and searching for answers.
According to sources close to the investigations, the incident has sparked widespread debate on social media and within local communities, with many people expressing grief over the brutal nature of the alleged killing and calling for justice to be served.
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