A South African pastor has died from malnutrition after fasting for 30 days.
Mzansiguardian.com reported that Pastor Alfred Ndlovu, 44, tried to emulate Jesus Christ by fasting for 40 days and 40 nights.
Mr Ndlovu, who reportedly wanted to break Jesus Christ’s record of fasting by going beyond 40 days, died after 30 days despite having no history of illness.
The body of the man who was praying and fasting alone in the wilderness was found by a stranger who alerted the police.
Known as a man of strong faith, Mr Ndlovu’s death puzzled those close to him and church members.
One close relative told Mzansiguardian.com: “He was a very spiritual man. It’s unfortunate he had to die this way. After a month we got the sad news of his death. He was a healthy and religious old man who did not even look his age.”
It’s not the first time that a man has died while fasting. Last year a 73-yr-old man known as Reinfirst Manyuka died in Zimbabwe after fasting for 30 days in the mountains, Mjemagazine.com reported.