Elderly Women Under Fire: The Human Cost of Witchcraft Accusations in Zimbabwe

Growing up in Zimbabwe, stories of elderly women accused of witchcraft weren’t just rumors—they were harrowing realities that echoed through villages and towns. These stories, still happening today, aren't fictional nightmares but real-life tragedies, where women, often frail and alone, are dragged from their homes, accused of unimaginable evils. With the rise of self-acclaimed “prophets” and healers, it has become more common than not to see mobs armed with sticks and stones, their faces twisted in anger, ready to punish someone they believe has cursed their community. Sometimes, the accusations culminate in horrific acts: homes set ablaze, women beaten, humiliated and isolated. 

These women, grandmothers, widows, pillars of their communities, are condemned by myths and biases that have persisted for generations. Such accusations are rarely questioned. Instead, they are embraced as a twisted form of justice, targeting the most vulnerable. 

The Intersection of Age, Gender  and Stereotypes  

Elderly women in Zimbabwe often bear the brunt of harmful traditional beliefs that associate aging with witchcraft. Rooted in deep patriarchal ideologies, these stereotypes portray older women as carriers of mystical powers, a dangerous force in society. Signs of natural aging wrinkles, grey hair, failing eyesight, become “evidence” of their supposed ill will. 

This narrative is compounded by ignorance about health conditions like dementia or other age-related changes. A woman who forgets things or behaves differently is seen as acting under supernatural influence, not as someone in need of care or understanding. It is this ignorance that allows accusations of witchcraft to take root, turning elderly women into scapegoats during times of misfortune. 

A Culture of Fear and Scapegoating  

In most communities, it is not uncommon for tragedy to be blamed on someone rather than viewed as a natural occurrence. A poor harvest, an unexplained death or even a prolonged drought often sparks accusations of witchcraft. In many cases, elderly women are the first to be blamed. These accusations aren’t isolated. In many communities, once suspicion takes hold, it spreads like wildfire. Mob violence often follows, with women dragged into public spaces, beaten and humiliated. For others, the punishment is exile, leaving them homeless and destitute. 

Witchcraft Accusations as Gender-Based Violence 

Accusing elderly women of witchcraft is not just a cultural phenomenon; it is a form of gender-based violence (GBV). It manifests in physical assault, verbal abuse, destruction of property and social isolation. Women who survive these attacks are often left with deep psychological wounds. 

Imagine being labeled a witch by your community. The whispers behind your back, the avoidance of your neighbors, the fear in your grandchildren’s eyes—it is a form of emotional torture that can break even the strongest spirits. Many women spiral into depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress, haunted by the violence and rejection they endure. 

The stigma persists long after the accusations. Some women live in hiding, too afraid to return to their villages. Others are forced to live among their accusers, enduring daily reminders of the humiliation and harm they suffered. 

Why Women and Why the Elderly? 

The roots of this violence lie in a toxic combination of gender, age and socio-economic vulnerability. Women, particularly elderly women, are seen as expendable in patriarchal societies. Without the protection of male relatives or financial independence, they become easy targets. 

Physical signs of aging are misinterpreted as markers of witchcraft, while the isolation of widows or single women makes them defenseless against mob accusations. Economic hardships in Zimbabwe have exacerbated this problem. When communities face crises, scapegoating becomes a way to deflect attention from systemic issues like poverty and inequality. 

The Legal and Institutional Gaps 

Although Zimbabwe has laws against mob violence and defamation, enforcement remains weak. Accusers rarely face consequences, and law enforcement often lacks the training or will to intervene in cases of witchcraft-related violence. The absence of specific policies protecting elderly women further leaves them vulnerable. Without proper legal frameworks and awareness campaigns, the cycle of violence continues unchecked. Perpetrators act with impunity, knowing there are no serious repercussions for their actions. 

Breaking the Cycle

Ending the cycle of witchcraft accusations requires a multi-pronged approach. The first step is education. Communities must learn to view aging as a natural process rather than a mystical one. Schools should include lessons on human rights, aging and respect for the elderly to dismantle long-standing stereotypes. 

Public awareness campaigns, spearheaded by local leaders, religious organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), can challenge these harmful beliefs. Elders should be celebrated for their wisdom and contributions, not vilified based on myths. 

The government must also step in with robust policies and legislation. Specific laws targeting witchcraft accusations such as GBV should be introduced, and law enforcement officials should receive training to handle these cases sensitively. Safe spaces, shelters and counseling services for victims are essential, particularly in rural areas where these incidents are most prevalent. 

Psychological Healing and Support 

The psychological impact on victims of witchcraft accusations cannot be overstated. Counseling and mental health support should be made widely available. Survivors need spaces where they can process their trauma, regain their dignity and rebuild their lives. 

Community reintegration programs can also help bridge the divide between victims and their communities. Through mediation and education, it is possible to heal the wounds caused by these accusations and foster understanding and unity. 

A Call to Action 

The stories of elderly women accused of witchcraft in Zimbabwe are not just tragedies; they are a call to action. Behind every accusation is a life destroyed, a family fractured and a community complicit in injustice. 

It is time to confront the myths and prejudices that fuel these accusations and build a society that values and protects its most vulnerable. These women are not witches. They are mothers, grandmothers and vital members of our communities. Standing up for them means standing up for humanity, justice and equality. Let us answer this call and ensure that no woman is ever condemned simply for being who she is.