6 children die during Apostolic baptism

By Staff Reporter

Police have confirmed the death of six children during baptism by Apostolic church members in Mashonaland East’s Sadza area yesterday.

The six,  two boys and four girls, have been identified as Tafadzwa Dzvuke (5), Tinotenda Dzuke (3), Shamiso Pfumbidza (4), Patience Pfumbidza (9), Blessed Muvadi (12 months) and Emmanuel Dzvuke (7).

Two more children who were part of the ceremony conducted in the morning on Tuesday along the Mutarahuku stream were admitted at Sadza District Hospital and their condition is still critical, according to the police spokesperson, Charity Charamba.

The two female Apostolic members who conducted the baptism, Maud Dzuke (30) and Jane Ruvinga (34), are now in police custody and face culpable homicide charges.

It could not be immediately established which sect the two belong to.

Details of what caused the deaths are still sketchy.

Apostolic sects have for long been blamed for contributing to child mortality due to their beliefs, even though there are indications that they are now adopting modern practices such as taking their children for medical attention. Nehanda Radio