Monday, March 28, 2011

Tanzanian 'miracle' pastor Mwasapile calls for a break

Queue of cars waiting to see Rev MwasapileA Tanzanian pastor has asked people to stop going to his remote home for a "miracle cure" after thousands flocked there, causing chaos in the surrounding area.

Rev Ambilikile "Babu" Mwasapile, 76, says he does not want any new arrivals until after Friday 1 April, to let the crowds die down.

Local media report that about 52 people have died while waiting to see him.

A BBC reporter says the queues to see him stretch for 26km (16 miles).

Belief in magic and the powers of traditional healers are widespread in Tanzania.

Some witchdoctors say that the body parts of people with albinism are effective when making magic charms, leading to the killing of dozens of albinos in recent years.

In 2009, the government outlawed all witchdoctors and traditional healers.

But on Monday, Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda said he would not take any action to stop Mr Mwasapile's activities.

Mr Mwasapile's concoction is made from herbs and water, which he sells for 500 Tanzanian shillings (five cents; 3p).

When she visited Mr Mwasapile's home near the northern Loliondo town recently, the BBC's Caroline Karobia found 6,000 people waiting to see the retired Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT) pastor. ...

via BBC News - Tanzanian 'miracle' pastor Mwasapile calls for a break.

The placebo effect does really work. Mr. Mwasapile should deputize others and imbue them with his amazing healing powers so they may go forth and heal more people who believe. Fewer people might die that way.

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