There were episodes of free drama at Marondera Provincial Hospital, when a driver injured in an accident that claimed 13 lives in Macheke, refused medical attention and waited for members of his Johane Marange church to take him home for prayers.

The driver, who was wriggling in pain, had to be taken to his home area in Murambinda by some relatives and church members who were moving in a Toyota Wish.

They said their church belief does not allow their members to seek medical attention, but rather prayers.

Before he was removed from the hospital, the driver refused to be injected until his relatives came to fetch him, hospital staff confirmed.

The Johane Marange apostolic sect is known for prohibiting its members from seeking medical attention from hospitals, despite massive interventions by government to compel them to seek medical attention.

A few months ago, about five people, including a sect leader from the same church, died from cholera in Murewa.

The sect leaders barred health officials from accessing the shrine following the outbreak that left many others hospitalised.

bulawayo24