Snr Asst Comm Charity Charamba
Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Correspondent
SIX children, all under the age of nine, died while two others are in a critical condition after a baptism ceremony conducted by two female self proclaimed prophetesses in Sadza, Mashonaland East.
According to the police, the incident occurred on Monday at about 5AM in Muriwo Village under Chief Neshangwe.
Police said nine children had been taken to a stream, in freezing weather, for the baptism ceremony by Maud Dzvuke, 30, and Jane Ruvinga (age not given) but, sensing danger, one the kids aged four escaped to inform elders.
National police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said Dzvuke and Ruvinga have since been arrested and charged with culpable homicide.
She identified the victims as Blessed Muvadi, 1, Emmanuel Dzvuke, 7, Tafadzwa Dzvuke, 5, Tinotenda Dzvuke, 3, Patience Pfumbidza, 9, and Shamiso Pfumbidza, 4.
She said one of the children escaped from the baptism ceremony and informed a villager she met along the way.
The villager, Tony Kondo, 17, rushed with her to the stream where the accused were conducting their business.
“One of the juveniles aged four ran away from the stream and met Tony Kondo who noticed that she was shivering due to the cold weather. The child narrated the matter to Kondo who then rushed to the stream to check on the other children. Upon arrival, he noticed that the six children were frothing from their mouths,” Snr Asst Comm Charamba.
She said on seeing the condition of the children, the two prophetesses started speaking in tongues and ordered Kondo to ferry the children to their shrine so that they could pray for them.
“Six juveniles died at the shrine whilst the other two were ferried to Sadza District Hospital where they were admitted in a serious condition,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.
She said Dzvuke and Ruvinga fled the scene only to be arrested later.
Snr Asst Comm Charamba bemoaned the needless loss of lives calling on members of the public to be diligent when dealing with children.
“The ZRP is deeply concerned with the loss of innocent lives. We would like to urge members of the public to desist from engaging in dangerous practices under the disguise of freedom of worship. The law will descend heavily upon them. May the souls of the innocent children rest in peace,” she said.