Fanyana Village in Nkayi is grieving the sudden loss of Innocent Moyo, 35, a dedicated member of the Twelve Apostolic Church, who tragically drowned during a baptism service at Tohwe Dam. This heartbreaking event has deeply shocked and saddened the local church congregation and the wider community, casting a somber shadow over what was meant to be a sacred and celebratory occasion.
According to Assistant Inspector Glory Banda, the spokesperson for Matebeleland North Police, Moyo had successfully baptised five congregants earlier in the ceremony before beginning the baptism of Pindani Sibanda. During the ritual, Moyo reportedly lost his footing and slipped into the deeper, more dangerous parts of the dam. Unfortunately, he was unable to swim to safety and drowned, while horrified church members looked on helplessly, unable to intervene in time.
Police were alerted promptly after the incident, and a coordinated effort between church members and local villagers was mounted to recover Moyo’s body. Authorities confirmed that the body was recovered without any visible injuries, effectively ruling out foul play in the tragic event.
Assistant Inspector Banda stated, “The body was retrieved, but no visible injuries were noted.” This statement provides some relief that the death was accidental and not linked to any suspicious circumstances. However, the community remains shaken by the sudden loss of one of its own during a religious ceremony intended to mark spiritual rebirth.
The tragic drowning has left Fanyana Village’s church congregation and residents devastated. Many expressed their profound sorrow and grief over the incident, describing Moyo as a committed church member who had served the community faithfully. The baptism service, typically a joyful event celebrating faith and new beginnings, turned into a moment of mourning and reflection on the fragility of life.
Community members voiced concern about the safety of religious ceremonies conducted near water bodies such as dams, rivers, and lakes. While baptism by immersion is a common practice in many churches, it carries inherent risks, particularly in natural water bodies where conditions can be unpredictable.
Assistant Inspector Banda highlighted the importance of safety precautions during such ceremonies. He urged the community and church leaders to prioritise the well-being of congregants by selecting safer venues for baptisms in the future. “This is a tragic event, and our thoughts are with the family and the congregation during this difficult time,” Banda said. “It is essential for communities to prioritise safety during such ceremonies, and we urge them to seek safer locations for future baptisms.”
The call for improved safety measures has resonated throughout the village and church community, prompting discussions on how to prevent similar tragedies from occurring. Suggestions have included holding baptisms in controlled environments, such as church baptismal pools or designated safe areas with lifeguards present. There is also a growing appeal for increased awareness and training on water safety for church members involved in baptism rituals.
Church community in Fanyana Village mourns loss and calls for safer baptism practices
Innocent Moyo’s untimely death is a painful reminder of the dangers associated with performing religious rites in natural water bodies without adequate safety measures. The incident has prompted both religious leaders and local authorities to reconsider current practices and implement stronger safeguards to protect worshippers during these sacred ceremonies.
As the church and community mourn, efforts are underway to provide support to Moyo’s family and congregants affected by the loss. Counselling services and community gatherings have been organised to help members cope with the grief and find solace during this difficult period.
The tragedy also serves as a broader warning to other communities across Zimbabwe and beyond that participate in water baptisms. It highlights the urgent need for education about water safety, risk assessment, and emergency preparedness during such events to ensure the well-being of all involved.
Moving forward, church leaders in Fanyana Village have expressed their commitment to honouring Innocent Moyo’s memory by advocating for safer baptism practices. The goal is to preserve the spiritual significance of baptism while preventing future accidents that could claim more lives.
In conclusion, the drowning of Innocent Moyo during a baptism service at Tohwe Dam has profoundly impacted Fanyana Village’s church and wider community. While mourning the loss of a valued church member, the incident underscores the importance of safety in religious ceremonies involving natural water bodies. By learning from this tragedy and implementing stronger safety protocols, the community hopes to protect future generations and maintain the sanctity of their spiritual traditions.
Source- Bulawayo24
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
