Londile Moyo
Gibson Mhaka
COWDRAY Park suburb in Bulawayo was turned into a real-life movie scene on Sunday when a well-known man of God allegedly locked horns with a “missile” from the dark world.
Residents and church members watched in disbelief as Madzibaba Emmanuel Mutumwa of Johanne Masowe Yechishanu reportedly battled an aggressive owl that was flying wildly around the shrine, allegedly trying to attack him and some congregants during a tense prayer and healing session.
The shocking spectacle happened during a deliverance ceremony attended by dozens of worshippers and curious residents, who gathered after hearing loud prayers, screams and commotion coming from the shrine.
Witnesses said the drama began when a local businessman, whose name has been withheld, came seeking spiritual help for his wife, who had allegedly been suffering mysterious seizures and illnesses. The atmosphere turned tense as Madzibaba Mutumwa intensified his prayers.
Moments later, a huge owl allegedly appeared from nowhere, flapping its wings and diving towards the prophet and terrified congregants like a fighter jet.
The situation escalated when Madzibaba Mutumwa allegedly exposed the businessman in front of the congregation, accusing him of using juju in the form of an owl to boost his business empire. A witness told B-Metro the prophet stunned worshippers by pointing at the owl and declaring it belonged to the businessman.
“The prophet suddenly stopped praying and pointed at the owl flying above us. He said the owl belonged to the businessman and that it was the source of the wife’s suffering. People started screaming and running away,” said the witness.
Another congregant claimed the businessman later made a chilling confession during the emotionally charged session.
“He admitted that he got the juju from a sangoma in Chipinge so that his business could prosper. He was told that the spirit would affect his nephew, but things went wrong and the attacks started affecting both his wife and nephew,” the congregant said.
The businessman reportedly owns grocery shops in Cowdray Park and at the busy Fifth Avenue market in Bulawayo. Witnesses said the owl grew increasingly violent during prayers and allegedly made several attempts to fly towards Madzibaba Mutumwa and church members.
“The owl was flying up and down as if it was angry. People were crying while others hid behind cars and trees. It was like something out of a movie,” another resident said.
Some congregants broke into loud prayers while others fled the scene in fear as the prophet continued the exorcism ritual.
“The prophet kept praying while holding his stick and holy water. The owl could not get close to him no matter how hard it tried,” claimed a church member.
The bizarre incident quickly attracted large crowds from around Cowdray Park, with many residents gathering to witness the mysterious confrontation.
Although Madzibaba Mutumwa initially remained tight-lipped, he later confirmed he had prayed for the businessman.
“I indeed prayed for that man,” he said.
“He came with a heavy burden. The owl he was using for his business turned into a demon that wanted to attack me to stop the deliverance. But through prayer, it failed and later died. The family is finally free.”
The dramatic incident has since become the talk of Cowdray Park, with residents still debating the mysterious showdown between the prophet and the owl.
Online Reporter