Prophet, wife arrested for ‘selling’ prayers

North-Western Province commissioner of police Eugene Sibote said in a telephone interview yesterday from Solwezi that prophet Mbewe and his team that included an apostle were conducting prayers at the showground around 10:00 hours when they were picked up by the police.
“The prophet is from Angelic Fire Ministries church in Lusaka, they were charging people who wanted prayers money between K 50 and K 70. Those that did not have money were removed from the line, these are the people who tipped the police and we moved in quickly to arrest the prophet and his team, the fifth person is on the run, we are looking for him. Anyone who wanted to see the prophet for prayers was charged money, these people came in yesterday [Thursday] from Lusaka,” he said.
Mr Sibote, who could not give the particulars of other suspects, said that the suspects will be charged for obtaining money by false pretences.
He said a lot of people were prayed for by prophet Mbewe and his team.
“A lot of people gathered at the showground for prayers but those that did not have money were removed from the line, we have since asked all those who were prayed for and paid the money to come forward so that they can be refunded. You don’t have to pay anything when you need prayers, this is wrong and we will not allow these activities in Solwezi,” he said.
He said North-Western Province, particularly Solwezi, is not short of genuine men of God.
Mr Sibote urged members of the public to be wary of certain men of God.
“We have not forgotten how some young girls were sexually abused on the Copperbelt by a prophet. Solwezi is a no go area for fake men of God, we have enough genuine pastors in Solwezi, it is sad that some pastors are now charging people money for prayers, this is wrong and it is unacceptable,” Mr Sibote said.

Zambia Daily Mail