(Last Updated on January 27, 2013 by Editor)
ZIMBABWE – HUNDREDS of worshippers from different churches yesterday congregated in Dororo Street, Zengeza following a mysterious blast which claimed five lives, injured some people and damaged up to 12 homes.
The prayer session organised by the Zimbabwe Council of Churches saw the Salvation Army, Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, United Methodist, Anglican, Baptist, Presbyterian, Independent African Church also known as Muchakata, Evangelist, Christian Marching Church and Central Church of African Province among others taking part in the service.
Relatives of the affected families and other Zengeza residents joined the ZCC in the church service.
In a condolence message, ZCC secretary general Reverend Wisdom Chandodza said the incident reminded the church of its mission and mandate.
“Today, the churches under the fraternal, gather to pray for and with families concerned, share comforting condolences and to offer immediate support of food and other items,” Reverend Chandoza said.
He said the same churches will continue mobilising resources to enable the affected families rebuild their destroyed homes. Four of the 12 damaged houses were severely affected by the explosion.
The Chitungwiza Municipality has since razed down the damaged houses. Occupants of the affected homes are currently staying in temporary tents provided by the Red Cross Society.
ZCC chairman Reverend Godfrey Gaga said people should desist from relying on traditional healers but turn to God in times of trouble. “As the church, we are at a loss of words with what happened here but we are just praying for the affected,” he said.
He said Dororo Street has been cleansed and should now be called St Avenues following the church service.
Meanwhile, church members donated food stuffs, soap and clothing to the affected families.
Although police have not yet made a public statement on the cause of the blast, it is suspected an antitank landmine could have caused it.
Four of the victims, a traditional healer Speakmore Mandere popularly known as Sekuru Shumba, a businessman Clever Kamudzeya, seven month old Kelly Chimina and Aleck Shamu have since been buried.
Remains of the fifth victim are yet to be identified.