Zimbabwe ‘Jesus’ dies after 30 days of fasting, fails to break Christ’s record

ZIMBABWEAN self-styled Messiah Khulu Reinfirst Manyuka has died from malnutrition after going without food for 30 days when he tried to emulate Jesus Christ and fast for 40 days and 40 nights.

Mr Manyuka, 73, left home on 15 June and headed into the bush to conduct prayers, redirecting his attention to God, away from things of the earth.

He was known by his family and community at large as a very spiritual person whose faith could move mountains and his death has puzzled those close to him.

One close relative said: “He was a very spiritual man. It’s unfortunate he had to die this way. “After a month we got the sad news of his death. He was a healthy and religious old man who did not even look his age.”

Attempting to equal or break Jesus Christ’s record of fasting for 40 days, Mr Manyuka gave up the ghost after just a month despite having no history of illness. He was alone in the wilderness and his body was found by a stranger who then alerted the police.