The Sunday Mail
Veronica Gwaze
GURUVE’s “Jesus” incarnate, Tepsy Nyanhete has reportedly disappeared from the radar of her Mudzimu Unoyera church-cum-cult after getting married — leaving her brother in charge.
About two years ago, the ‘Girl Jesus’ who was 25 years at the time reportedly ventured into music as a lead vocalist for Guruve Marimba Arts Ensemble.
And now a source within the family claim the cult has been left in the hands of her brother Knowledge Nyanhete after the now 27-year old decided to marry.
Chatiza Village headman, Mr Mark Chimbumu who claims to be ‘Girl Jesus’ uncle confirmed that Tepsy the ‘Girl Jesus’ got married.
“Since the family became deeply rooted in the church, they shun (the extended) family and as of now we do not know whom she got married to. Jesus is no longer a girl, they have changed, now it is a boy,” he said.
Knowledge, the new ‘Jesus’ is the first born in the Nyanhete family of five.
Upon arrival at the Nyanhete homestead, The Sunday Mail Religion crew could not get a chance to talk to the ‘royal’ family as the guards said the family was away on evangelical mission.
Fervent music fanatics will heartily remember how in 2017 ‘Girl Jesus’ jumped ship into the music industry parading under the moniker Shantele Nyanhete.
She became part of a traditional band in Guruve, the Marimba Arts Ensemble headed by her elder brother Ginatsia Nyanhete.
Tepsy who at the age of six founded the Mudzimu Unoyera church-cum-cult with the help of her parents was worshipped by members following claims that she was Jesus. Since its formation in 1998 the Mudzimu Unoyera cult remains mysterious in its conduct. The cult made headlines when it barred its womenfolk from wearing dresses and skits, instead recommending khaki shorts and trousers for everyone.
They were also claims that the cult even has own graveyard where followers are buried.
“At their funerals, they conduct huge galas where they dance and wine to drum beats, clad in white shirts and grey trousers or shorts. So when we hear those drums, we know one of them has died.
“The church bury their own followers in their own way. We hear they do not use coffins and reed mats like we traditionally do. Instead, they lay the body on huge flat rocks and bury,” headman Chimbumu said.
Neighbouring village headman, Enforce Chabvuta of Chibondo village concurred that the 27-year old had gotten married but had no idea of the identity of the man who had married her.
“She is no longer the leader of the church, she is now married but unfortunately we do not really know to who because they keep their life a secret. It is now the brother who leads the church but sadly it has also lost more than half of its followers.
“It is sad that they brainwash these people and pretend to help them while separating them from the outside world.”
