Following a stampede in the northern Tanzanian city of Moshi which resulted in the death of 20 people leaving many injured, the Tanzanian government has arrested Pastor Boniface Mwanposa over the stampede.
The popular pastor who heads the Arise and Shine Ministry Tanzania was arrested in Dar es Salaam after boarding a flight to the capital city to lead a prayer service at another branch of his church after the incident.
Reacting to the incident, Moshi district commissioner, Kippi Warioba told Reuters that stampede occurred while people struggled to get “healed” by stepping on an anointing oil the Pastor poured on the floor.
He said;
“Twenty people died and 16 others were injured in the inciden. Five of those killed were children.
“The stampede occurred when the worshippers were rushing to get anointed with blessed oil.”
The Interior Minister George Simbachawene confirmed Mwamposa’s arrest and he accused the church of not taking sufficient precautions and violating the terms of its permit for the meeting but he did not disclose the charges against the Pastor.
George said;
“The incident took place at night and there were many people, so there is a possibility that more casualties could emerge.”
While authorities said they are still assessing the situation amid fears the death toll could rise, the police also announced that they have launched an investigation into the incident.
