The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa
Weekender Correspondent
CONGREGANTS at a Chipinge church had to scurry for dear life when three snakes suddenly appeared during two of their services.
Pandemonium reigned supreme during the two days as people took to their heels in different directions at Heaven of Earth Life Ministries (HOELM) in the Dairibord section of Gaza high-density suburb.
The congregants were observing 21 days of fasting for next year when a hissing snake — believed to be a cobra — suddenly appeared between the benches.
The feint-hearted took to their heels, while others dashed outside the church to grab whatever weapon they could to kill the snake.
Although the church service later resumed, some did not return.
A day later, two more snakes were killed at the same church, with the leadership claiming that they had conquered the devil by killing the serpents.
Eye witnesses who spoke to The Weekender said they were shocked to see snakes tormenting congregants two days in a roll.
HOELM Ministries’ congregants usually meet in the council hall.
However, due to the Covid-19 safety guidelines, on the day in question they were meeting at a house in Gaza,” said Mr Edmund Zvinhu.
“We were shocked to hear commotion at the church as a cobra had suddenly appeared between the benches as congregants were seated. It was hissing and the commotion brought all proceedings to a halt.
“People fled in all directions. The snake was killed and the service later resumed with fewer congregants,” he said.
Another witness, Mr Forishi Muparingo, said within two days, three snakes disrupted proceedings at the church.
“I don’t understand how these snakes were finding their way to the church. I suspect that something mysterious is happening at that church,” said Mr Muparingo.
Contacted for comment, HOELM senior pastor, Mr Harshly Kafura confirmed the development and said God power killed the snakes.
“The snakes were tormenting residents and we have managed to free them. All evil powers in Gaza Dairibord section were exorcised during those church services,” said Pastor Kafura.
Mr Tapiwa Gapara, a prophet within HOELM, said demons also manifest through animals.
“That was God’s work as he exposed the devil through those snakes. All the evil spirits were conquered and we look forward to a great 2021,” said Mr Gapara.
