Online Reporter
By Peter Matika | [email protected]
BULAWAYO’S religious circles were shaken last month after a terrifying case of mistaken identity saw Prophet Bothwell Phiri shooting his own son, thinking he was a thief!
Now, in a twist of divine grace, Jordan Phiri (29) — the son of the River of Life International Church founder — has been discharged from hospital and is on the road to recovery after surviving a bullet to the groin.
The chilling incident happened at their Kumalo residence, after Jordan returned home late from their Esigodini plot and tried to enter the house through a window. His father, alarmed by the noise and armed with a licensed firearm, pulled the trigger — only to realise too late that the “intruder” was his own flesh and blood!
Family members confirmed Jordan was seen at church last Friday.
“He’s not 100 percent yet, but he’s out of danger,” a family source told B-Metro. “We still don’t know exactly how it all happened — but we thank God he’s alive.”
On social media, Prophet Phiri broke his silence:
“Jordan continues to recover well and is receiving excellent care… We are grateful for his life and the grace of God that sustains us.”
He acknowledged the pending court case and assured followers:
“We trust the legal system will handle this fairly. As a family, our focus is on healing and unity.”
Phiri is facing attempted murder charges, but the matter has been put on hold for further scrutiny after the court flagged inconsistencies in the case. National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the development, stating the case remains under review.
While legal uncertainty looms, congregants and followers are rallying behind the Phiri family — a spiritual house now dealing with a very real earthly storm.
