Woman Detained For Using Tortoise To Intimidate HR Manager Over Unpaid Wages

Woman Detained For Using Tortoise To Intimidate HR Manager Over Unpaid Wages

In a strange and disturbing event in Goromonzi, Zimbabwe, a 58-year-old woman was arrested for allegedly using a live tortoise to threaten her Human Resources (HR) manager with black magic in an attempt to collect her unpaid salary.

The woman, named Sithembiso Budzirikawa, reportedly turned to this unusual tactic after her repeated requests for her wages were ignored. According to court documents obtained by New Zimbabwe, the incident took place on August 21, 2024, when Budzirikawa went to Chabwino Farm to obtain the tortoise before heading to her workplace.

Once at the company, Budzirikawa confronted the HR manager and demanded immediate payment of her salary. When the manager refused, Budzirikawa escalated the situation by pulling out the tortoise, which was covered in red floor polish and wrapped in a red cloth with needles tied around it. She then threatened the manager with black magic if her salary was not paid.

Frightened by the threat, the HR manager contacted the police. Officers arrived on the scene and asked Budzirikawa for a permit for the tortoise, which she could not provide. As a result, she was arrested under the Parks and Wildlife Act for the illegal possession of a live tortoise.

Budzirikawa was brought before the Harare Magistrates’ Court, where she was found guilty of the charges. She was sentenced to pay a fine of US$300 or serve 30 days in prison if she failed to pay.