THE late Arnold Muzariwetu, a leader of Johanne Marange Apostolic Sect church with headquarters in Gutaurare, 40km from Mutare, had 14 wives...
THE late Arnold Muzariwetu, a leader of Johanne Marange Apostolic Sect church with headquarters in Gutaurare, 40km from Mutare, had 14 wives who gave birth to 101 children, only 25 children survived.
The other 76 died in their infancy and early childhood stages. And when Muzariwetu passed on in 2012, one of his wives had lost all her 10 children in the early stages of their infancy.
The statistics of just one individual member of the sect show how children within some of the apostolic sects in Zimbabwe continue to die as their religions shun hospitals and medical treatment.
While children within the family continue to die, the father continues to sire more, unconcerned about the human loss.
The news crew this week spoke to some of the sect’s members who believe those children dying early were going straight to their creator in heaven as they are without any sin.
A member who refused to be named said while the outside world would be sympathising with these deaths which occur regularly, the sect’s members are confident that their children’s pure souls will reunite with them in the aftermath.
"For many of our members to say this might be cruel but there are others who celebrate silently because they say the children are the fruit of their wombs — wombs which are a creation of the Lord."
Some locals here blame politicians for turning a blind eye to this growing problem as they do not want to anger these sects which constitute a big voting bloc.
Jannah, a resident in Gutaurare said since Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980, little had been done by government and politicians to address this problem.
"In ignoring the problem, they have sacrificed women and children who bear the brunt of this practise where they are not allowed to access hospitals and give birth at home with the aid of untrained health attendants," said Jannah.
A school teacher in Mafararikwa believes government is the guarantor of every life and as such it has to intervene and rescue these women and the children they deliver.
"This practise should not be an excuse of worship and every human being has a right to life and health care. They are hiding under the guise of worship and backward doctrine."
In a previous interview the former Manicaland Provincial Medical director Tapiwa Murambi said his ministry was facing resistance from politicians at a "very high level" when they try to persuade these sects to seek medical services.
"With the support of politicians, these sects easily resist medical treatment and deny any such service to themselves and their families."
He, however, said some were now clandestinely seeking professional medical help and the only problem is that they were presenting themselves when it’s too late.
Added Murambi: "In our clinics, we keep Baby Cards, Immunisation Cards and Family Planning Cards of members of the sect who come for medical services but they cannot keep them in their homes."
In 2012, Vice President Joice Mujuru speaking at an invitational incoming Passover ceremony at Johanne Marange’s Mafararikwa shrine in Bocha village about 100km south west of Mutare, urged the police to consult church leaders and work with them to avoid confrontation.
"The police are urged to work with the established authorities within the church to ensure we do not have cases of church members dragged to clinics for their children to be immunised," she said.
Led by High Priest Noah Taguta the Johanne Marange Apostolic sect has a following of over 1,2 million.
The other 76 died in their infancy and early childhood stages. And when Muzariwetu passed on in 2012, one of his wives had lost all her 10 children in the early stages of their infancy.
The statistics of just one individual member of the sect show how children within some of the apostolic sects in Zimbabwe continue to die as their religions shun hospitals and medical treatment.
While children within the family continue to die, the father continues to sire more, unconcerned about the human loss.
The news crew this week spoke to some of the sect’s members who believe those children dying early were going straight to their creator in heaven as they are without any sin.
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| Vapostori leader died after siring 101 children with 14 women, 76 children also died |
"For many of our members to say this might be cruel but there are others who celebrate silently because they say the children are the fruit of their wombs — wombs which are a creation of the Lord."
Some locals here blame politicians for turning a blind eye to this growing problem as they do not want to anger these sects which constitute a big voting bloc.
Jannah, a resident in Gutaurare said since Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980, little had been done by government and politicians to address this problem.
"In ignoring the problem, they have sacrificed women and children who bear the brunt of this practise where they are not allowed to access hospitals and give birth at home with the aid of untrained health attendants," said Jannah.
A school teacher in Mafararikwa believes government is the guarantor of every life and as such it has to intervene and rescue these women and the children they deliver.
"This practise should not be an excuse of worship and every human being has a right to life and health care. They are hiding under the guise of worship and backward doctrine."
In a previous interview the former Manicaland Provincial Medical director Tapiwa Murambi said his ministry was facing resistance from politicians at a "very high level" when they try to persuade these sects to seek medical services.
"With the support of politicians, these sects easily resist medical treatment and deny any such service to themselves and their families."
He, however, said some were now clandestinely seeking professional medical help and the only problem is that they were presenting themselves when it’s too late.
Added Murambi: "In our clinics, we keep Baby Cards, Immunisation Cards and Family Planning Cards of members of the sect who come for medical services but they cannot keep them in their homes."
In 2012, Vice President Joice Mujuru speaking at an invitational incoming Passover ceremony at Johanne Marange’s Mafararikwa shrine in Bocha village about 100km south west of Mutare, urged the police to consult church leaders and work with them to avoid confrontation.
"The police are urged to work with the established authorities within the church to ensure we do not have cases of church members dragged to clinics for their children to be immunised," she said.
Led by High Priest Noah Taguta the Johanne Marange Apostolic sect has a following of over 1,2 million.
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