In a remarkable turn of events that has sparked debate within both the religious and gambling communities, a prominent Bulawayo prophet has claimed that he won a staggering US$30,000 jackpot at a local casino after receiving the winning numbers in a divine vision.
Archbishop Emmanuel Mutumwa, the leader of the Johanne Masowe eChishanu Apostolic Sect, alleges that the numbers were revealed to him through a vision from God. Mutumwa says he used a portion of the winnings to pay school fees for children of his church members and provide start-up capital for some congregants to launch their own businesses.
However, the celebrations were short-lived, as Mutumwa claims he has been banned from several local casinos. The betting establishments apparently fear that the prophet, who they believe is aided by spiritual guidance, will win too often and force them to payout excessive sums.
Mutumwa’s record-breaking jackpot, which nearly doubled the previous high at the casino, has sparked a heated debate. While the prophet sees the winnings as a divine blessing to uplift his community, the casino industry maintains that they have the right to restrict or close the accounts of consistent winners who may tip the scales in their favor.
This extraordinary incident has raised complex questions at the intersection of faith, gambling, and the role of religious figures in the gaming industry. As the story continues to unfold, it is likely to generate significant discussion within both the Christian community and the world of professional betting.
