Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku
HELLFIRE threats, blood-red cloths, and a furious self-styled prophet! That’s what shook the quiet village of Mbembesi when a “man of God” tried to rain down divine fury on his neighbour.
Ronald Dlwili (51), the apostolic leader and founder of a local sect, stormed into his neighbour’s homestead like a man possessed. Eyes blazing and voice thundering, he accused his fellow villager, only identified as Kenke, of sabotaging his “holy mission” after reporting him to the village head.
“God will punish you! You will burn for this!” Dlwili reportedly roared, threatening death and divine vengeance for daring to challenge his sacred symbols — black and red pieces of cloth he had tied to trees across the community.
But unlike many who would have trembled at the mention of brimstone and fire, Kenke stood his ground. A court heard he didn’t utter a word while the prophet spat curses and insults at him.
Instead, he calmly watched the man rant before going to the police to report the incident.
Prosecutor Joseph Rugara, told the court that on 22 September at around 8:30PM, Dlwili stormed into Kenke’s homestead and hurled a barrage of threats, accusing him of blocking his church gatherings and defiling his “holy grounds.”
The prophet’s fiery outburst was sparked after the village head ordered him to pull down the cloths, which residents said gave the area an eerie, cult-like feel.
In court, Dlwili tried to downplay his outburst, pleading guilty and claiming he had been “overcome by the Spirit.” Magistrate Challenge Mahembe wasn’t impressed.
“The behaviour you displayed was barbaric and unbecoming of a spiritual leader,” said the magistrate before handing down the sentence.
Dlwili was fined US$200 and given a four-month jail term, with the entire sentence suspended on condition of good behaviour. The prophet escaped prison by the skin of his teeth, his threats of heavenly fire going up in smoke.
