A disturbing trend has emerged in Zimbabwe, with self-proclaimed prophets, traditional healers, and pastors allegedly sending bees to punish supposed wrongdoers. Victims, often accused of theft or infidelity, are being swarmed by bees in viral videos — incidents now widely believed to be staged. Experts warn this is a calculated scam aimed at exploiting the vulnerable.
In one case, a Ruwa man paid US$400 to a Harare healer to expose a thief at his workplace. Instead, the bees never came, and he was arrested, losing both his money and his reputation. “This is pure theft. These bees are being manipulated for deception,” he said. Other victims also report paying large sums for similar “spiritual” justice.
Apiculture experts and traditional leaders have strongly condemned the practice. “Bees cannot be sent to attack people,” said Mr. Chaipa Mutandwa of the Beekeepers Association of Zimbabwe. ZINATHA’s George Kandiero described the incidents as “lies and criminal acts,” accusing scammers of using drugged bees and paid actors.
Bishop Cuthbert Nyaruvenda of ZINPA and Pastor Hazvinei Muchefa added that the bees are manipulated using herbs or queen bee lures, creating staged scenes to deceive the public. “Victims should report these fraudsters to the police,” Nyaruvenda said.
ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo confirmed the acts are illegal, urging citizens to reject self-styled spiritual agents and seek help from proper authorities. As fake bee attacks continue to circulate online, authorities are calling for urgent public awareness.
