HARARE - Self-styled prophets who allegedly caused the death of a one-year-old after giving him a harmful concoction have been freed on bail.

Mutsvene Makaya, 46, and his wife Ndakaziva Mawire, 39, on Tuesday appeared before magistrate Anita Tshuma on culpable homicide charges.

According to State papers, the two self-proclaimed prophets are married.

The court heard the deceased child was taken to Makaya and Mawire’s home by his parents for spiritual healing last month.

It is alleged the two prepared a mixture of salt, lemon, vinegar, cooking oil and honey which they gave the child to drink.

According to State papers, the child’s health thereafter deteriorated and he was taken to Parirenyatwa Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The minor, according to the medical report, died of asphyxia due to aspiration gastric contents.
It was later discovered that the boy died as a result of taking the concoction which he was given by the two “spiritual healers”.

A police report was made leading to the duo’s arrest.

Tshuma released the couple on $30 bail each.

As part of their bail conditions, they should report to police every Friday and desist from prescribing concoctions of any nature. They will be back in court on December 31. - Ivan Zhakata