Prominent Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) evangelist Phanuel Dzangare — popularly known as Pastor Chiweshe — has died.

Chiweshe was pronounced dead on Tuesday evening upon arrival at Parirenyatwa Hospital after suffering kidney failure. He was 65.

According to his uncle, Tinashe Muchemwa, who is acting as the family spokesperson, the popular evangelist was leading prayers at the family home in Concession when he collapsed. His son, Talent, rushed him to Parirenyatwa in Harare, 50km away, but unfortunately, the pastor died on the way.

NewsDay was unable to obtain comment from Chiweshe’s most renowned spiritual student, Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa, due to “protocol complications”, but Muchemwa confirmed Makandiwa made a brief appearance at the AFM Mt Camel Assembly Church in Chitungwiza where mourners were gathered yesterday morning.

Makandiwa left AFM to form the United Family International (UFI) in 2006.

Muchemwa, who said the family had been robbed of a pillar of strength, told NewsDay Reverend Chiweshe’s body would be taken to his Concession home today before being brought back to Harare for burial at Warren Hills Cemetery.

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The day of his burial had not yet been decided yesterday.