Chipinge infants die after taking concoction

Zim Now Writer

In a tragic incident that has shocked people of Ndunduma Village in Chibuwe, under Chief Musikavanhu in Chipinge in a state of shock, two toddlers mysteriously died after taking a concoction that had been prepared by church leader Pedzanai Masapa during a church service.

Confirming the incident, deputy Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka said investigations were underway and no arrests have been made yet.

The two children were identified as Taurai Zituta-Sithole (one) and Raymond Bote (11 months).

Asst Insp Chinyoka said: “On November 25, Shangurai Chifadza (23) and Miriam Zvuihari (22) of Ndunduma Village went to attend a church service at Kubatanakwashe Faith Fellowship Church shrine in the same village. The church leader, Pedzanai Masapa (43) of Masimbe Village told the congregants to go for baptism along Save River.

“While at the river, Masapa prepared a concoction which was a mixture of milk, flour and coarse salt and made the children drink it before their baptism. This was according to their church doctrine,” Chinyoka said.

Masapa reportedly prayed for the mixture and drank it first before giving the minors the concoction. A total of 10 infants who were present took the concoction but a few minutes later, the police spokesperson said, the two minors started frothing from their mouths.

“They were rushed to their homes and died upon arrival. The matter was reported to the police who attended the scene. The bodies were taken to Chipinge District Hospital for post-mortem,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.