Ntcheu Police Station has been swept into a ‘tongues’ storm after followers of Tembenukani Mtima Yesu Akubwera church gathered there demanding answers over the arrest of their leaders.

The followers say they want to know what will happen to their leaders, who were taken into police custody as authorities continue addressing concerns surrounding some of the church’s practices.

Some church members told the media that police officers went to their place of worship while they were praying and arrested some of the leaders before taking them to Ntcheu Police Station.

The church recently attracted public attention after videos circulated on social media showing some of its leaders speaking in tongues during a meeting with Ntcheu District Council officials who had visited to discuss concerns over some of the church’s beliefs.

The church has been under scrutiny over teachings that include discouraging members from seeking medical treatment when sick and preventing children from attending school, with leaders maintaining that healing and wisdom come from God.

However, the engagement reportedly failed to resolve the concerns raised by the authorities.

Meanwhile, police are yet to comment on the matter.