A traditional leader shut down a church in Namibia's Kavango West region after a 12-year-old boy required intensive care following a healing ceremony. Markus Haingura, headman of Mazwa village, closed the Leviticus Voice of Prophet Church pending police investigation into allegations that its leader fed the child vinegar, salt, and herbs to treat tonsils and remove evil spirits.
The boy's grandmother brought him to the village for treatment despite his mother's objections. Hospital staff contacted the mother only when surgery became necessary. Musese constituency councilor Kosmos Katura said residents misuse religious freedom by following unvetted prophets and suggested limiting the establishment of new churches.
The boy's grandmother brought him to the village for treatment despite his mother's objections. Hospital staff contacted the mother only when surgery became necessary. Musese constituency councilor Kosmos Katura said residents misuse religious freedom by following unvetted prophets and suggested limiting the establishment of new churches.
