Mwanza Prophetess Arrested For Torturing Woman With Disability Under Preise Of Prayer
Published on January 23, 2026 at 3:44 PM by Evance Kapito
Police in Mwanza are holding 43-year-old Prophetess Martha Nthengu and two accomplices for allegedly detaining and torturing a young woman with a disability by tying her hands and legs with ropes.
According to Mwanza Police deputy spokesperson Ritta Nyirongo, the victim’s husband was informed in November last year that his wife had been taken to the prophetess’s house to receive prayers for a mental health condition. However, every time the husband attempted to visit his wife, he was denied access.
The husband was only allowed to send supplies through the victim’s sister. Growing suspicious of the situation, he reported the matter to Mwanza Police on January 22. Upon raiding the prophetess’s house, police discovered the woman tied up with ropes, suffering from visible wounds on her hands and legs.
When questioned, the suspects claimed they tied the woman to prevent her from being “disturbing” during prayer sessions, alleging she was possessed by demons that they were trying to cast out.
The victim has since been admitted to Mwanza District Hospital for medical treatment. The prophetess and her two accomplices, identified as Judith Mikeyasi and Martha William, are expected to appear in court to answer charges of acts intended to cause grievous harm, contrary to Section 315 of the Penal Code.
All three suspects hail from Masokosa Village, under Traditional Authority Nthache in Mwanza District.
Source;NPL
