Police at Mponela in Dowa district have arrested the 67-year-old pastor for refusing to take pregnant woman to the hospital and receiving proper help until the woman died.

Mponela police spokesperson Macpatson Msadala, has confirmed the matter and identified the pastor as Jailosi Manuel for Apostolic Church.

According to the police report, the woman who comes from the village of Kasangazi 1 of the chief Chakhaza in the district, went to the pastor’s house on May 23, 2024 when she realized that the time for recovery had come.

Report says that when they arrived at the house, they were helped and they recovered at the house as the church prevents its followers from receiving help at the hospital.

According to Msadala, after delivery, the woman has been struggling physically but when people want to take the woman to the hospital, the pastor stops her.

“Different people have been telling the pastor that the woman needs a hospital to help her properly, but she says that she will recover with prayers,” said Msadala.

On 27 May 2024, the chief of Kasangazi 1 called on the police in Madisi to help but when they arrived at the shepherd’s house, they found the woman dead.

Jailosi is in police custody and he will soon appear in court after the investigation is over.