In a shocking incident, police in Dedza have arrested a self-proclaimed prophet, Kenson Chitsamba, 29, and his wife Lilian Chitsamba, 26, for allegedly killing their 2-year-old daughter, Scholastics Chitsamba, claiming she was a snake.

The arrest was confirmed by Deputy Public Relations Officer Constable Brenda Yassin, who reported that the couple, hailing from Chiphazi village in Dedza District, acted upon what they believed was a divine message. Kenson claimed to have received a prophecy instructing him to kill his daughter before it was “too late.”

The couple reportedly took the child to a hill in Mchinji for a supposed deliverance ritual, during which they tragically killed her by pulling at her tongue and neck, believing they were casting out demons. The couple is now facing murder charges and will appear in court soon.