THE esteemed founder and leader of River of Life International Church, Prophet Bothwell Phiri, 57, is facing attempted murder charges following a harrowing incident at his Kumalo suburb residence in Bulawayo.
In the early hours of Monday, he allegedly shot his son, Jordan, having mistaken him for an intruder.
The distressing event unfolded as Jordan attempted to gain entry to the locked house through a window, reportedly after a late return from their plot in Esigodini.
Startled by the noise, Prophet Phiri, armed with his legally registered firearm, proceeded to investigate, leading to the unfortunate confrontation.
Prophet Bothwell Phiri
Bulawayo province acting police spokesperson Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the incident, stating that it occurred at approximately 1:20 am.
Msebele said that Phiri’s son, Jordan, 29, arrived home from their plot in Esigodini and found the door locked hence he tried to gain entry through a window.
Prophet Bothwell Phiri and his son Jordan
“He opened a window and as he attempted to gain entry, he was shot in the groin by the accused person. When the accused realised it was his son, he rushed him to UBH for treatment,” she said.
Msebele said Phiri told police that he shot his son, believing him to be an intruder. She however said the son was in a stable condition.
“This was an unfortunate incident. The accused person was interviewed and told police he mistakenly shot his son as he thought he was an intruder. The firearm was checked and police confirmed that he is a licensed holder of the firearm,” said Msebele.
She said that investigations are ongoing and the matter will be heard in court.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Phiri were unsuccessful as he was reportedly in an extended meeting. – Chronicle
