Local News
SAD NEWS: 2 toddlers DIE DURING BAPTISM IN CHIPINGE
Two infants died last Friday after ingesting a concoction at Kubatanakwashe Faith Fellowship Church in Chipinge.
Two toddlers from Ndunduma Village in Chibuwe area under Chief Musikavanhu died unexpectedly after drinking a concoction allegedly concocted by church leader Pedzanai Masapa during church session.
Masapa foretold that a tragedy would befall the Ndunduma children unless they were baptized.
Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, deputy Manicaland provincial police spokeswoman, confirmed the event and said investigations are underway.
Taurai Zituta-Sithole and Raymond Bote (11 months).
Tuesday was their funeral.
Shangurai Chifadza (23) and Miriam Zvuihari (22) of Ndunduma Village went to church on November 25.
Masimbe Village’s Pedzanai Masapa (43) told attendees to be baptized in Save River.
Masapa mixed milk, flour, and coarse salt at the river before baptizing the children.
It’s church theology.
Masapa prayed for and drank the mixture before giving it to the children.
Ten infants received it.
Raymond Bote and Taurai Zituta-Sithole began foaming at the mouth minutes later.
“They were rushed home and died immediately.
Police were called and responded.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said the remains were brought to Chipinge District Hospital.
Some assume the minors died of food poisoning, while others suspect witchcraft.
Some say the kids were victims of church infighting.
Mwadhana Zituta-Sithole, one of the devastated parents, said post-mortem examinations showed no poisoning.
My wife and our late kid went to Kubatanakwashe Faith Fellowship Church for prayers.
“On this terrible day, our toddler appeared great, so I was astonished when my wife said he fainted during church.
We tried to resuscitate him, but God had other plans.
“I can’t blame his death on the church concoction.
Church issues need urgent attention.
Traditional leadership must decide.
Mr Zituta-Sithole claimed, “Masapa prophesied a tragedy will befall our children.”
Mutape Nzeka, the local traditional head, said elders will consider cleaning the area.
Masapa’s mobile number was unreachable, so he couldn’t comment.
Post-Manica
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