A WOMAN suffered burns after a self-styled prophet forced her to clench BURNING CHARCOAL as part of a bizarre healing ritual, a court heard.
Phathisani Khoza, 23, admitted a charge of assault before a magistrate in the Midlands town of Gweru this week. He was remanded on US$20 bail awaiting sentence.
Magistrate Meo Rubwe heard that on August 16 this year, the victim, Yvonne Dongo, attended a church service conducted by Khoza at a house in Mtapa Section 4 suburb.
Prosecutor Michael Mhene said during the service, Khoza started praying for Dongo.
In the middle of the prayer, the court heard, Khoza took burning charcoal and placed it in Dongo’s left palm, then tried to force her to grip it tightly as she screamed in agony.
But the prophet would not let go, Mhene said, until Dongo BIT his hand.
She was treated for burns at Gweru Provincial Hospital.