Bedford has become the latest hotspot of heated debate after explosive claims began circulating online that some Zimbabwean women are allegedly using so-called “blue siki” supplements to keep men emotionally and financially attached. The gossip, which exploded across Facebook groups and WhatsApp circles, is being loosely linked to the already-viral Mai Nyati saga, reigniting arguments around relationships, trust, and desperation in the diaspora.
According to street talk, the alleged trend involves secretly introducing blue pills or energy boosters into food or drinks as a way to “control” men or keep them loyal. While no concrete evidence has been produced, the story has taken on a life of its own, with critics accusing some women of crossing moral lines, while others dismiss the claims as misogynistic exaggerations meant to shame independent women trying to survive tough economic conditions.
What has fueled the fire is the Mai Nyati narrative, which many online commentators are now using as a cautionary tale—arguing that shortcuts in relationships often end in public embarrassment. Supporters, however, say women are being unfairly targeted, noting that men have long used money, gifts, and promises as leverage in relationships without similar outrage. As Bedford debates rage on, one thing is clear: Zimbabweans online are not done arguing, and this story—true or not—has struck a raw nerve that isn’t cooling down anytime soon.
