By MIDIA ZULU –
Succession disputes among members of the banned Sweet Heart of Makumbi cult, popularly known as Ba Mutima, in Lusaka have deepened.
The Sunday Times has learnt that in the latest development in the troubled ‘family’, Netron Chishimba, son of the cult’s founder, Prophet Emillio Mulolani Chishimba was allegedly assaulted by other members.
One of the cult members Mapaki Bupulamo is said to have been picked up by Emmasdale Police for his alleged role in the incident in which Mr Chishimba is reported to have been forcibly locked up and assaulted.
Speaking in an interview at Emmasdale Police station, Mr Chishimba said he and his two brothers were tricked into attending a meeting at the church convened by other senior members but were then locked up in the building upon their arrival.
He said the wrangles in the cult started after the founder Emilio Chishimba died in 2015 with one faction objecting to the idea of his son succeeding him.
Mr Chishimba suggested the wrangling was escalating to dangerous levels and suggested the group be banned totally from operating, saying the conduct of some members could lead to more violence.
Independent investigations by the Sunday Times have revealed that the cause of the strife was group’s property and money which it continues to generate despite having its licence revoked in 2013.
Recently, Religious Affairs and National Guidance Minister, Godfridah Sumaili said Government was keeping a watchful eye on all cults operating without licence.
She said the Sweet Heart of Makumbi Church was still illegal following reports of cult members involved in mass bathing, sex orgies and other bizarre rituals.