HARARE - Police raided members of a cult who were living in the wild and refusing to eat until Jesus Christ came.

HARARE - Police raided members of a cult who were living in the wild and refusing to eat until Jesus Christ came.

Seven severely malnourished children were taken away from the cult's camp on Saturday and placed in the homes of Christian pastors in Bulawayo, said the state-controlled Herald newspaper.

The cult is believed to be an offshoot of the popular Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Thirteen members questioned by police would only give their first names. They were described as frail.

Police spokesman Langa Ndlovu said: "We picked them up after receiving complaints from residents who were not sure of the cult's motives. The residents were afraid they might commit various crimes."

The cult members were told to go home, but police doubt they will obey.

Churches and sects have been gaining in popularity in Zimbabwe, where economic and social problems are biting hard.

There has been widespread concern about advertisements for so-called miracle crusades, promising prosperity and healing from diseases. - Sapa-DPA