Post date: Apr 01, 2011 3:18:59 PM
People from all over Tanzania and beyond are streaming into a small village in Loliondo, Tanzania to get a dose of a 'magical potion' from retired pastor Ambilikile Mwasapile. His potion is said to heal all kinds of illnesses.
LOLIONDO, TANZANIA (RECENT) ITV -TANZANIA - The road leading to Samunge village, in Loliondo district in northern Tanzania is congested with cars that stretch for miles.
Thousands of sick people are waiting in line for treatment from the much sought after former pastor, Ambilikile Mwasapile and his "magic potion."Ever since pastor Mwasapile claimed a few months ago to have divine powers that can cure people with chronic diseases such as cancer, HIV/AIDS and diabetes amongst others, large numbers of people make the pilgrimage on foot, in cars and any other means of transport from all over the country and beyond.
Many of those who queue are convinced that they will get the help that they need and in some cases people line up for hours, even days just for a sip of the so called "magical potion."
The potion consists of herbal concoctions that Mwasapile has to administer himself to patients, many of whom have been pulled out of medical hospitals so they could see him.
Last month, government officials said 52 sick people died while waiting in line or after drinking the potion.
But people are still not deterred and continue to make the trip to Loliondo, even if securing a seat means having to sleep at a bus station waiting for buses, which are often fully booked.
For Arusha resident Abdulrahman Bahara, who says he has been treated by the pastor and his potion, the trip was worth the while.
"I have been suffering from stomach problems; I suffered a lot with ulcers. Before, I saw people going and coming back. After confirming that people are going and getting treated and seeing my neighbor who was treated with cancer after drinking the potion, I decided to go. I thank God, that old man helped me, it cost me 500 shillings (0.33 US Cents ) and I was healed," he said.
Mwasapile potions have become popular also because many people do not trust doctors and find going to hospitals too costly. Mwasapile charges 0.33 US cents for his potion and claims to have gained 50 million Tanzanian shillings (32,000 US dollars) from his work.
Medical experts are outraged by Mwasapile's practices and have criticised him for misleading people who could otherwise be receiving treatment from hospitals.
According to government data, more than 24,000 people can be found in the queue to Mwasapile's house on a daily basis.