Women warned against use of 'morotowatshwene' on their private parts

Baboon urine was a topic of contention recently on social media with women being blamed for using it as a love potion to attract rich men. Common talk about this 'morotowatshwene' is that its usage is even popular in other southern Africa countries, especially Zimbabwe, but has since become a topic of interest here in Botswana in recent times.

Traditionalist, Cosmos Tshotlane, affectionately known as Dr Tshukuru from Dikakapa tsa Dingaka Association of Botswana confirms knowledge about the use of this urine for different purposes but raised concern that although baboon urine has been used for years, women misuse it by using it as a love spell.

'They wash their private parts with the urine in an effort to tighten it,' Tshukuru claims but worries that the urine may harm them as it contains poisonous substances from all sorts of creatures the baboon eats, including scorpions.

Tshukuru instead told The Midweek Sun that he knows the urine to be used as a belief, to ensure a partner does not cheat, adding that it can be used by both genders and that for quick results, the preferred urine is that of younger baboons. The claim is that baboons usual urinate at the same spot all the time, making people believe that its use could therefore make one to look nowhere else for love but to only their partner.

'Gantsi e rotela golo go le gongwe, moroto o o dira monna gore a akanye motho a le mongwe fela,' Tshukuru said, explaining that the baboon urine has the power to make both genders avoid multiple concurrent relationships.

Depending on the desired effect, it can be consumed, sprinkled on the body or targeted parts, or can simply be applied on the body.

The matter has of late been trending, with some people accusing women of using it on men to cast spells that make them less promiscuous. According to Dr Tshukuru, because the baboon consumes poisonous creatures such as scorpions and spiders, it is sometimes used for witchcraft purposes.

'The urine may be used to cast away bad luck and helps when used by expectant mothers to reduce labour pains,' he said.

43-year-old Mmadiako Disang from Mahalapye acknowledges that baboon urine has been used for years although she knows a different story about it. 'I know it to help in reducing negative energies and to attract good luck,' she said. Other people claim that the urine has been used to cure asthma and high blood.

But how is the urine is collected?

Dr Tshukuru said that normally traditional healers hide where the baboons sleep so as to collect it wet from the ground as soon as they wake up and move away.

According to an online report by Nehanda Radio, baboon urine sells like fat cakes in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe as women allegedly scramble for it.

However, the Ministry of Health spokesperson, Dr Christopher Nyanga dismissed claims that baboon urine cures asthma, high blood or any other diseases.

Dr Nyanga said the ministry is not aware of any medical claim or scientific research indicating that baboon urine has any medicinal value.

'The ministry therefore advises Batswana to guard against misconceived theories and untested medical claims that may endanger their health.

“Batswana are advised to only take advice from health professionals and no other person on issues relating to their health,' Dr Nyanga said.