Updated: Magaya takes blame for crusade deaths

via Updated: Magaya takes blame for crusade deaths | The Herald November 21, 2014

Prophet Walter Magaya’s Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries were facing fresh challenges this afternoon as thousands of Kwekwe residents thronged Mbizo Stadium for a crusade that had already been cancelled.

A decision to cancel the second day of the 5-9pm service was made last night following the death of 11 people in a stampede. But despite the widespread news of last night’s tragedy, people were still thronging the venue today.

There has been suggestions that it was an all-night prayer but the correct position is that it was a four-hour service.

As of this afternoon, PHD were battling to contain people wanting to attend the cancelled service. A decision was made to give the people already at Mbizo free anointing oil while exiting the venue.

Earlier today Prophet Magaya told H-Metro  that he had received information that 11 people had been confirmed dead including a pregnant woman and three minors.

The crusade was originally meant for Thursday and Friday but today’s service has since been cancelled following the tragedy.

Prophet Magaya had already left the venue when the stampede occurred and he had to rush back to the venue on getting news of the stampede.

“I am gutted…I had already left the venue when I got news that there was commotion at the venue and moments later I was told of people seriously injured. Within minutes I was told that eight people had died and others were serious. I rushed back to the venue and it was very sad, the saddest moment of my life.
“As of this morning I am made to understand that three more died and of the dead include a pregnant woman and a child. I will be meeting with the authorities and all stakeholders before we can issue an official statement on the tragedy. ”

A shaken Prophet Magaya told H-Metro that he will take the blame for the tragedy.

“This was our event and as a church we have to take the blame for the tragedy. It is still too early to say what caused the stampede but the fact that the stampede took place at the venue means that part of our system failed to function.”