3 disappear in pool during ceremony

THREE villagers from Mapanzure communal lands in Masvingo disappeared last Friday after plunging into a pool under mysterious circumstances.

The three, whose identities have not been disclosed, were apparently performing rituals on the banks of the Musogwezi River before jumping into a pool along with two other villagers.

They have not been seen since last week and relatives are said to be now conducting rituals for their safe return.

According to police, Victor Tazvigwira (41) and Blessed Dhombo (age not given) both of Tazvigwira village in the area, who also jumped into the water, re-emerged and were rescued after a prayer session led by Pastor Amos Chituru (49) of Manyangadze village in Mutasa, Manicaland.

Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa said the police sub-aqua was ready to move in and search for the missing persons once relatives gave the go ahead.

According to police, Pastor Chituri was invited to Tazvigwira village for prayers at Zishiri homestead on July 14.

He then reportedly prophesied that Victor needed to be cleansed in a river.

On July 16, Victor and his relatives teamed up with Pastor Chituri and went to Musogwezi River where they prayed while on the banks of the river.

There are fears that they may have drowned.