Lusaka Pastor Flees After Tragic Death During Healing Session

A 25 year old man in Lusaka’s Kanyama West has died during a healing session, prompting the pastor conducting the session to flee the scene. The incident has left the community in shock and prompted a police investigation.

According to police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga, the victim, identified as Oscar Mwanza, had been suffering from persistent leg pain for two weeks. Seeking relief, his family invited a local pastor, Trust Moyo, believed to be between 25 and 35 years old and associated with Zioni Church in Kanyama, to their home for a prayer session.

During the session, the pastor allegedly instructed the family to administer a mixture of eggs and Coca-Cola to Oscar. He then used a heated stone to apply pressure to the young man’s legs. Shortly thereafter, Oscar screamed, collapsed, and became unresponsive. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The tragedy unfolded around 17:10 hours and was reported to the police by the victim’s father, Elias Mwanza, 48. Following the incident, Pastor Moyo fled through a window, evading capture. Authorities have since launched a manhunt for the suspect.

“Police have opened an inquiry file and are conducting investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding this sudden and unnatural death,” said Hamoonga. “We urge members of the public to come forward with any information that may lead to the suspect’s arrest.”

Oscar’s body has been taken to the University Teaching Hospital mortuary, where a postmortem examination will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death. Meanwhile, the incident has sparked discussions about the risks associated with unconventional healing practices and the accountability of spiritual leaders.

The authorities continue to appeal for cooperation from the community to ensure justice for the deceased and his family.