Two apostolic congregants drown during cleansing ritual in Mount Darwin

Two members of an apostolic sect drowned at Kakeza Dam in Mount Darwin after entering the water to escort their church leader during a cleansing ritual.


The deceased, Lazaru Jokonya (29) and Pashton Macherenje (24), reportedly accompanied their leader, identified as Madzibaba Benjamin, into the dam to retrieve a flower used for ritual purposes. While the two failed to swim and drowned, Madzibaba Benjamin managed to swim to safety.

Deputy Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Lucy Chigwengese confirmed the incident.

“I can confirm a sudden death case in Mount Darwin where two people drowned while escorting their church leader to get a flower in the dam for ritual purposes,” she said.

According to police, the trio entered the water on 17 March. The bodies of the two congregants were later retrieved by the Police Sub‑Aqua Unit.

Police have urged religious groups to prioritise safety when conducting rituals near water bodies.

“We strongly urge members of the public to prioritise safety at all times when conducting religious or traditional activities near water bodies. Under no circumstances should individuals enter deep or unfamiliar waters without proper swimming ability, safety equipment, or trained rescue support,” Chigwengese said.

She added that church leaders must take responsibility for the safety of their congregants and avoid exposing them to life‑threatening situations in the name of spiritual practices.