Muzarabani, Zimbabwe - A MEMBER of the Johane Masowe Apostolic Sect died after she plunged back into Utete River in Muzarabani soon after her baptism.
On Saturday, Patience Kanonhuhwa (23) of Jacharara Village is said to have fallen into a trance and threw herself into the river after being baptised.
Some sect members who were attending the ceremony swept to her rescue.
They managed to pull her out of the water, but a few minutes afterwards Kanonhuhwa began frothing at the mouth and died on the spot.
Mashonaland Central Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Memory Pamire confirmed the incident saying investigations into the matter were underway.
She said Kanonhuhwa was attending a baptism ceremony at Utete River conducted by Madzibaba Jeremiah of the Mutimbanepasi Johane Masowe Sect, when the incident occurred.
"Kanonhuhwa was baptised together with seven other members of the sect and she came out of the water okay.
"After 10 minutes Kanonhuhwa started acting like she was possessed and dived back into the river where others were still being baptised and was rescued by other members," Insp Pamire said.
She said Kanonhuhwa began frothing at the mouth, convulsed and died.
The matter was reported at Muzarabani Police Station and police attended the scene.
Her body was taken to Guruve Hospital mortuary for post-mortem.