In a peculiar and disturbing case from Zimbabwe, a 58-year-old woman was apprehended after allegedly using a live tortoise in a bid to intimidate her Human Resources (HR) manager with black magic, all in an effort to obtain her unpaid salary.

The woman, identified as Sithembiso Budzirikawa, reportedly resorted to this unusual approach after her repeated requests for her wages were ignored. According to court documents, the incident took place on August 21, 2024. Budzirikawa allegedly visited Chabwino Farm, where she obtained the tortoise before heading to her workplace to confront the HR manager.

Upon her arrival at the company, Budzirikawa demanded the immediate release of her salary. When the HR manager refused to comply, Budzirikawa escalated the situation by revealing the tortoise. The animal had been ominously prepared, with its shell covered in red floor polish, wrapped in a red cloth, and adorned with needles tied around it—a display that carried strong connotations of black magic.

Budzirikawa then proceeded to threaten the HR manager, warning that if her demands were not met, she would invoke black magic. Alarmed by this threat, the HR manager swiftly reported the incident to the police.

Police officers responded promptly and, upon investigating, requested Budzirikawa to produce a permit for the tortoise, as required by law. Unable to provide the necessary documentation, she was arrested under the Parks and Wildlife Act for the unlawful possession of a live tortoise.

Following her arrest, Budzirikawa was brought before the Harare Magistrates’ Court, where she faced charges related to the illegal possession of the tortoise. She was found guilty and sentenced to pay a fine of US$300. The court ruled that if Budzirikawa failed to pay the fine, she would face 30 days in prison.

This case highlights the intersection of traditional beliefs and legal frameworks, with the court’s decision underscoring the importance of adhering to wildlife protection laws, regardless of the cultural or personal motivations behind such actions.

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