Doomsday: Kitwe town deserted

Tuesday, may 24, 2011

 
By ALEX NJOVU
 
SOME Kitwe residents on Saturday remained indoors with their families following a false prophecy that was allegedly made by a US-based evangelical broadcaster that the world would end on May 21, 2011.
A snap survey conducted around town, especially at Chisokone market, revealed that most people decided to remain indoors as they waited for the second coming of Jesus Christ in their homes.
Chisokone market, which is usually a hive of activity ,was deserted by some traders who took the prophecy by the South African pastor seriously.
Ireen Banda, a trader at Chisokone market, said she stayed away from the market because she wanted to concentrate on praying, in readiness for the second coming of Jesus Christ.
Moses Tembo, another trader at the vast market, said it was ‘risky’ to venture into town when information was circulating that the world would end on Saturday.
And Riverside Assemblies of God Church Reverend Paul Mwale who visited the popular Chisokone market in Kitwe said he was surprised that some people took the prophecy seriously.
He said during his sermon on Sunday that he was shocked that some Kitwe residents abandoned their activities because of the prophecy.
“On Saturday, I went into town and passed through Chisokone market. I was surprised that some people stayed away from their daily activities because of the false and fake prophecy made by an American evangelist, 89-year- old Harold Camping. I talked to some traders at Chisokone market who told me that their colleagues stayed away from the market for fear of being found at the market during the second coming of Jesus Christ,” he said.
Rev Mwale warned Zambians against listening to false prophets and urged members of the public to read the Bible carefully and understand what will happen when the world finally comes to an end.
“My church members should get my mobile number and develop a tendency of calling me and when my phone goes unanswered, it is a sign that rapture has taken place,” he said in jest.
He cautioned Christians to watch out for the devil who is busy misleading God’s people with all sorts of false information.