HARARE – In a troubling revelation, recent events at a shrine in Nyabira have unearthed eerie similarities to a high-profile mysterious death that occurred two years ago, shedding light on potential cult activities and secretive practices within the community.
The recent incident involves Memory Mukanairi (49), a former member of the church led by Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongera, whose daughter’s death and hasty burial on the shrine’s premises have sparked controversy and raised suspicions of foul play.
Mukanairi, speaking on Star FM‘s Tilder Live, expressed her anguish, stating, “We were not informed of her death and just heard the issue through neighbors. The place is called Canaan, and whatever they work for goes to the leader, Ishmael. All the proceeds go to him.”
This incident echoes the mysterious death of Professor Itai Muhwati in June 2022, who died at the same shrine under similarly suspicious circumstances.
Just like Mukanairi‘s daughter, Prof Muhwati was buried hastily without the knowledge of his family or relatives.
The lack of transparency surrounding these deaths and the secretive practices of the shrine have raised concerns within the community and prompted investigations by the authorities.
National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, emphasized the importance of reporting such incidents, stating, “If something happens, especially of this nature (death), they should report to the police.”
The parallels between these two tragic incidents highlight a pattern of secrecy and potential misconduct within the shrine’s operations.
Prof Muhwati’s brother, speaking to The Herald at the time, expressed suspicion, saying, “The problem is they buried him without telling us. Members of his church know me and my siblings, so they should have told us than to bury him without telling us as his family.”
As investigations unfold, questions surrounding the activities and leadership of the shrine persist, with concerns growing about the welfare and safety of its members.
The need for transparency, accountability, and respect for the rights of individuals in religious communities remains paramount as authorities seek to uncover the truth behind these tragic events.
