Self-Styled Prophet Sets Villager On Fire

Harare, Zimbabwe - A MAN claiming to be a prophet allegedly set a villager on fire during a witch-hunt ceremony in Beitbridge.

Following the theft of windowpanes at a school in Kafusi on October 22 this year, Mqondisi Moyo (22), who claims to be a Zion Church prophet, told villagers he could pick out the culprit.

Villagers were ordered to gather for the witch-hunt during which the "prophet" initially smeared them with methylated spirit and water.

He then went around each of them with a burning matchstick, saying the culprit would catch fire.

When he got to Uthoile Moyo, he caught fire and sustained serious burns all over the body.

A report was made to police, resulting in Uthoile Moyo's arrest.

Mqondisi Moyo, of Thakaliyana area in Kafusi, has since appeared before Gwanda provincial magistrate Mr Takidzwa Wazemba on charges of employing non-natural means to investigate crime.

He was remanded in custody to November 22.