JUST IN: Bodies of missing apostolic sect members found in Zambezi River

Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter

THE bodies of two members of the Followers of Jesus Christ of God: Ekuphileni in Zion apostolic sect, who were swept away by strong currents during a baptism in the Zambezi River on Saturday, have been located.

The discovery was made on Monday afternoon by a multi-agency search and rescue mission at Rapid 8 and Rapid 13 along the river.

Sources close to the search and rescue mission confirmed that the body found at Raid 8 has been retrieved and taken to the mortuary.

However, the recovery of the second body, spotted at Raid 13, remains underway amid challenging conditions, with strong currents and rocky terrain hampering efforts.

National Police Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, had earlier confirmed the disappearance of Alpha Moyo, 27, and Mehluli Sibanda, 30, after they were overwhelmed by a sudden wave while baptising a congregant at gorge number 6.

According to the police the incident occurred around 7 AM when 15 congregants, led by Bishop Daniel Tshuma, proceeded to the river for baptism.

While baptising a third person, a strong wave swept Moyo and Sibanda away.

Another member, Sunboy Hwedza, survived by clinging to a rock.

The search team included ZRP Victoria Falls, CID, Zimbabwe National Parks, Victoria Falls Rafting Association, and church members.