A self-proclaimed African messiah going by the nickname "Jesus of Zimbabwe" has died after he attempted to imitate Jesus Christ's 40-day fasting.
Khulu Reinfirst Manyuka, 73, passed away from malnutrition after he fasted for 30 days in the bush. He left his home on June 15, redirecting his attention to God and away from earthly distractions, according to Unilad UK.
Manyuka had no history of illness. He was all by himself in the wilderness and his body was found by a stranger who immediately informed the police, according to Nairaland.
Manyuka was known in his community as a very spiritual person "whose faith could move mountains," and his death has left those close to him puzzled and confused.
"He was a very spiritual man. It's unfortunate he had to die this way," said a close relative of Manyuka. "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."
Manyuka was not the first person to die from fasting, according to police. However, a police force acknowledged that it has no power to stop members of the public from starving themselves, according to Nigerian Watch.
