Pregnant Woman Dies at Shrine, Family Accused of Cover-Up – Eduzim News

By A Correspondent— Tragedy has struck a local Apostolic community after 24-year-old Roseline Tamary Takawira reportedly died last month from complications related to pregnancy at a shrine in Goromonzi.

Her grandmother is now accusing the family and church elders of attempting to hide the circumstances surrounding her death.

Enita Moyo, Roseline’s grandmother, revealed that the young woman’s life had been controlled by her family and the sect from an early age.

“My granddaughter was forced into marriage when she was only 16,” Moyo said. “I had to rescue her and take her to Bulawayo so she could continue her schooling.

She completed her A-Levels, and we had plans for her to attend university, but her parents took her back to Murehwa when a program fell through.”

Moyo claims Roseline’s refusal to strictly follow the sect’s teachings led to her being branded a “black sheep” and forced back into the marriage she had previously escaped.

Her grandmother alleges that Roseline’s pregnancy led to severe health complications, including seizures and dangerously high blood pressure.

Despite her critical condition, Moyo says she was denied access to professional medical care because of religious restrictions. “She needed urgent treatment, but they told us the church does not allow hospital visits. They relied solely on prayers,” Moyo said.

Roseline was eventually taken to a shrine in Goromonzi, where she tragically passed away last month. “We believe she did not receive the medical attention she desperately needed. She was very sick, yet nothing was done beyond prayers,” Moyo said.

The situation reportedly worsened after her death. Moyo claims that her family and church authorities took control of the burial process, excluding relatives from participating.

“We were not allowed to be part of her burial. Everything was handled by the church leadership. We are still denied the right to visit her grave freely. It feels like they are hiding the truth,” she said.

She also alleged that no post-mortem examination was conducted and that attempts were made to remove the foetus, which were unsuccessful. “It was a cruel and inhumane ordeal,” Moyo said.

Attempts to obtain comments from Roseline’s parents were unsuccessful. They reportedly refused to speak to the media and responded with hostility. Elton Ghuveya, the man said to have married her, denied the marriage.

“I was not married to her, that’s not true. I was not present during her death, so I cannot comment. Ask other relatives,” he said.

The death of Roseline Tamary Takawira last month has ignited anger and questions over the treatment of women in some Apostolic communities, raising concerns about religious practices, medical care, and the ability of families to ensure the safety of vulnerable members.

Related