A MADZIBABA in Bulawayo was hospitalised following an assault by a fellow congregant who was against his “prophecy” that congregants should shave their heads with one razor blade.

Mr Seppyoggi Rutendo Mthethwa (22), a court heard yesterday, told congregants that God had shown him that everyone should be bald-headed for the next service.

Garments flew as Steven Mukozhiwa (39) from New Magwegwe suburb allegedly used the apostolic sect’s  trademark shepherd’s crook — also loosely referred to as the Rod of Moses — to beat up Mr Mthethwa.

He was opposed to having his hair cut with the same blade that had been used on others, citing risk of diseases. The court heard how Mukozhiwa flew into a rage when Mr Mthethwa insisted things should be done his way.

He allegedly hit Mr Mthethwa all over the body with the stick and head butted him on the mouth during the church service at a bushy area near Davis Granite on March 12. Mr Mthethwa sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH).