adminGrace Nyoni Midlands Reporter
A mentally-challenged Gokwe man fatally struck a congregant who sought to apprehend him after he bolted from a church where he was receiving spiritual deliverance, police have confirmed.
Brighton Mufudza (19), who is suspected be mentally-challenged, had been taken to Zion Christian Church (ZCC) by his relatives. According to witnesses, Mufudza ran amok during the prayer session before bolting from the church.
Acting police spokesperson for Midlands Province Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende confirmed the incident which occurred last Tuesday.
She said Mufudza became violent and fatally struck Mr Godfrey Torongo with a stone after he tried to catch him.
“Circumstances are that on the fateful day, the accused person, Brighton Mufudza (19), who is said to have mental problems, was escorted by his relatives to Gwetsenga Zion Christian Church to seek spiritual help.
“During the healing session, Mufudza is said to have started shoving congregants and church leaders who were praying for him before fleeing,” she said.
Asst Insp Mukwende said Mufudza’s relatives and other congregates gave chase and after some distance, Mufudza met Torongo, who was also on his way to the church.
“Mufudza’s relatives then asked him to help them apprehend Mufudza. Mufudza became violent and picked a stone and struck Torongo on the forehead and he died on the spot. The matter was reported to the police, who attended the scene and the deceased’s body was taken to Gokwe District Hospital for post-mortem,” she said.
Asst Insp Mukwende said the mentally-challenged Mufudza was still to be located.
Online Reporter