A 73 year old man from Zimuto communal areas died after going for 30 days without food or water, fasting in the mountains, police have said.

Masvingo provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Nkululeko Nduna, said the body of Reinfirst Manyuka was found in the bushes, 30 days after he left his home to fast and pray alone in the bushes.

Nduna said Manyuka left home on 15 June for his prayers and was found lying dead on 15 July although he said the exact day of the death is not known.

"We have received such incidents before but we cannot stop members of the public from fasting since it is religiously based.

"However, investigations into the man’s death are still in progress," Nduna said.

Manyuka’s body was taken to Masvingo Provincial hospital for a post mortem.