Pastor Flees Through Window After Fatal Faith Healing Incident Claims Young Man's Life

LUSAKA – A local pastor from Zioni Church, identified as Trust Moyo, is on the run after a 25-year-old man, Oscar Mwanza, died during a prayer session yesterday at around 4:00 PM in Kanono Area, Kanyama West.

Moyo had been invited by Elias Mwanza, 48, to pray for his ailing younger brother, who had been suffering from severe leg pain for two weeks. However, the session ended in tragedy when the patient collapsed and was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga, Moyo instructed the family to prepare a mixture of eggs and Coca-Cola, which was then administered to the deceased. Additionally, he heated a stone on fire and applied it to the victim’s legs, after which the man screamed, collapsed, and lost consciousness.

“The deceased was pronounced dead at the scene, and immediately after, the pastor fled through a window. His whereabouts remain unknown,” Hamoonga stated.

Police confirmed that the report was filed at Kanyama West Police Post, with officers visiting the scene to conduct a preliminary investigation. The body was transported to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) mortuary, where a post-mortem examination will establish the exact cause of death.

According to Zambian Eye.com, police have opened an inquiry file and are conducting active investigations into the case.

“Members of the public with information on the suspect’s whereabouts are urged to report to the nearest police station,” Hamoonga urged.

The incident has raised concerns over controversial healing practices, prompting discussions on spiritual interventions versus medical treatment.