GWANDA NORTH – EARLY morning shoppers at Shake Business Centre were
shell- shocked recently when a naked man sauntered to the shops and spoke to
villagers as if nothing was amiss.

When this reporter visited the shops, everyone was talking about a stark naked man
having been seen roaming about the Business Centre, prompting disbelief from
those who had not witnessed the scene. Yet, more drama was to unfold.
After a 10 minute lull, the man thought to be in his early 30s re-appeared.
But this time, a small crowd had formed at the shops, with shocked residents
discussing what could have befallen the man.

Concerned about what had happened, some of the man’s relatives brought his
clothes, pleading with him to put on his clothes. He refused flatly.
In due course, he came to the shop where this reporter was standing outside and
talking to a colleague.

While some people ran away from him fearing that he could unleash violence, the
man appeared calm and non-violent.

Standing at the verandah of the shop run by a businesswoman, the man apologised
to her for what he claimed to have been an earlier incident, some months back when
he broke windows at the shop.

The woman, who had bolted herself inside the shop, said she had forgiven him
already.

He then approached a group of startled men.

Why are you staring at me he asked. Is it all your first time to see a naked man,”
he added, drawing laughter from others.

Women, however, appeared to have been the most affected by the spectacle, as
they looked away whenever he passed by.

By then the crowd had swelled considerably.

A plan was hatched by the group of men to pacify him and dress him up.
He ran away but was caught and forcibly dressed.

It is reported, however, that he came back naked for the third time before being
again forced to wear his clothes.

He is said to have been later spotted walking to the Bulawayo-Beitbridge highway,
fully dressed, presumably on his way to Bulawayo from where he is said to have
come.
Villagers said they are still shocked by the incident and are searching for answers as
to what had prompted the man to appear in a state of undress at the shops, in full
view of everybody, including women and children.