news / national
Zaoga pastor consults traditional healer for 'power-enhancement'
15 May 2011 at 07:42hrs | Views
One of Zaoga's longest-serving pastors has been suspended after he was caught on camera attending a "power-enhancement ceremony" at a traditional healer's house in Chitungwiza.
Zaoga does not allow its members to consult sorcerers or traditional healers. Information gathered last week indicates that Pastor Isaiah Nyika was sold out by one of the traditional healer's aides who recorded the ceremony on a cellular phone camera and submitted the footage to the clergyman's superiors. Mr Nyika could not be reached for comment.
It is understood the pastor, who headed a denomination in the town, had been seen visiting the traditional healer, popularly known as "Dr Muzenda", several times, ostensibly to seek powers to heal the sick and perform miracles.
The Zaoga disciplinary board promptly launched an investigation after receiving footage and photographs of the "power-enhancement ceremony". Sources said Mr Nyika initially refuted the allegations when he appeared before the board.
He, however, gave in after evidence was adduced. His superiors later issued a Press statement on May 7 informing members of the public about their decision to suspend him. Part of the statement reads: "The Zaoga Forward in Faith day-to-day disciplinary board wishes to advise the public that Mr Isaiah Taonezvi (Hunyani) Nyika of Chitungwiza has been suspended indefinitely from operating, representing and working as a pastor in the Zaoga F.I.F. with immediate effect.
"There shall not be found anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through fire, or one who practices witchcraft, a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead."
A parishioner, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Mr Nyika's congregation was not surprised by the news as his frequent visits to "Dr Muzenda" were well known. "His (Mr Nyika) healing powers were very questionable.
"Even our church elders once raised concern that some members worshipped their own gods.
Zaoga does not allow its members to consult sorcerers or traditional healers. Information gathered last week indicates that Pastor Isaiah Nyika was sold out by one of the traditional healer's aides who recorded the ceremony on a cellular phone camera and submitted the footage to the clergyman's superiors. Mr Nyika could not be reached for comment.
It is understood the pastor, who headed a denomination in the town, had been seen visiting the traditional healer, popularly known as "Dr Muzenda", several times, ostensibly to seek powers to heal the sick and perform miracles.
The Zaoga disciplinary board promptly launched an investigation after receiving footage and photographs of the "power-enhancement ceremony". Sources said Mr Nyika initially refuted the allegations when he appeared before the board.
He, however, gave in after evidence was adduced. His superiors later issued a Press statement on May 7 informing members of the public about their decision to suspend him. Part of the statement reads: "The Zaoga Forward in Faith day-to-day disciplinary board wishes to advise the public that Mr Isaiah Taonezvi (Hunyani) Nyika of Chitungwiza has been suspended indefinitely from operating, representing and working as a pastor in the Zaoga F.I.F. with immediate effect.
"There shall not be found anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through fire, or one who practices witchcraft, a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead."
A parishioner, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Mr Nyika's congregation was not surprised by the news as his frequent visits to "Dr Muzenda" were well known. "His (Mr Nyika) healing powers were very questionable.
"Even our church elders once raised concern that some members worshipped their own gods.
Source - Byo24News
