Zimbabwe pastor held over Robert Mugabe death prophecy

A Zimbawean pastor who predicted the death of President Robert Mugabe has been arrested, his lawyer says.

Patrick Mugadza announced last week that the 92-year-old head of state would die on 17 October this year.

His lawyer, Gift Mtisi, told the BBC that he was relaying a "message from God. Police would have to prove that God didn't say it".

Mr Mugabe mocks frequent rumours of his death, saying he has been resurrected more often than Jesus Christ.

Mr Mtisi said his client had initially been charged with undermining the authority of the president, then "criminal nuisance" and finally "insulting people of a certain race or religion".

Mr Mugadza was laughing about the charges and would plead not guilty.

"I'm still at pains to find the criminal part of it," Mr Mtisi told the BBC.

He added the pastor had no regrets about making the prophesy:

"He's admitting to the facts. He says he didn't lie - that's a message from God. Police will have to prove God didn't say it."

(BBC)