THE death of a five-year-old in his own home on Friday in Scotland has been linked to his father’s involvement in a church run by a self-styled prophet from Zimbabwe.
Paramedics discovered Scott Chiriseri with a “significant” chest injury at his home in Alva, Clackmannanshire, after a person called voicing fears for his well-being.
A 32-year-old Zimbabwean woman, Farai Chirasi, who is believed to be Scott’s mother, has been detained in connection with the death.
It is understood that Chirasi is being held under the Mental Health Act.
Scott’s father, Tichakunda Chiriseri, who is also from Zimbabwe, joined a controversial religious organisation run by a self-styled prophet shortly before the couple separated earlier this year.
The Stirlingshire-based Agape For All Nations Ministries Internationals church is headed by former academic Dr Joseph Masocha, and describes itself as a “fast-growing church established in 2007”.
Masocha, a former university lecturer who claims he is a prophet “anointed by God”, fell out with neighbours when he began holding religious meetings at his home in Bridge of Allan in 2006.
Residents demanded the council serve him with an anti-social behaviour order amid claims he was baptising people in his garden.
He was also accused of carrying out an exorcism on a neighbour’s lawn.
A spokesman for the church confirmed Chiriseri was a member and said they were offering him counselling after his son’s death.
He said: “It’s obviously a very difficult time.
“He had been a member of the church for months and we understand he wasn’t at the house because he had separated from his wife.
“I believe they split up a few months ago and she is not a member of our church.”
Tributes were left at the Alva house where Scott was found.
Police were called to the property on Friday morning and the boy was pronounced dead at the scene by the Scottish Ambulance Service.
It has been reported paramedics had to be given counselling.
Local councillor Archie Drummond said the death had shaken the community and added: “This has come as a real shock to this tight-knit town.”
A spokesman for the Crown Office and Prosecutor Fiscal Service said: “A 32-year-old woman has been detained in relation to the death but she has not been charged.”(Agencies)
