A young mother is grappling with anguish and uncertainty after her four-year-old son was allegedly kidnapped by a self-proclaimed prophet during a supposed prayer session.
Priscilla Mbombo, 22, who resides at Joburg Lines in Mbare, Zimbabwe, had sought spiritual intervention for her sick child and contacted a man known only as Madzibaba John, believed to be a spiritual healer. The two arranged to meet on the evening of June 1 at Tsiga Grounds.
According to police, during their meeting around 5 p.m., the man instructed Priscilla to find a red cloth, claiming it was necessary for her son’s “deliverance.” Trusting him, she left her child in his care temporarily. However, upon returning a few minutes later, both the alleged prophet and the boy had vanished.
Efforts by the distressed mother to trace her son and the suspect have so far yielded no results. She has since reported the matter to law enforcement.
Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the incident, stating: “Police are investigating a kidnapping case involving a minor child in Mbare. The victim was left in the custody of a self-proclaiming prophet for divine deliverance. The mother has failed to locate the prophet and the baby since June 1, 2025.”
Authorities are urging members of the public with any information about the whereabouts of the child or the suspect to come forward and assist with the investigation.
The case comes amid rising concerns over fraudulent religious figures exploiting desperate families under the guise of spiritual healing.
