LEADERS of the Africa Apostolic Church (Mwazha) are seeking police protection during their annual meeting, which will be officiated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on August 30, 2024, as factional fights escalate in the church.
A faction, led by Reverend Nyika Murisi, alleges that Enerst Mhambare and Kurauone Sibanda have already disturbed preparatory work by destroying toilets at the popular Ndarikure Shrine.
It is also alleged that the two fired shots at some congregants who tried to reason with them on August 19 while at the shrine.
To this end, Murisi has written to Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga notifying him of the situation and also seeking protection.
The letter written by his lawyers, Rubaya and Chatambudza Legal Practitioners seen by NewZimbabwe.com was also copied to the President, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya, Home Affairs and Justice ministers.
Murisi said they were given permission church’s supreme leader Archbishop Paul Mwazha to convene the conference on August 30.
“Our clients are of the firm view that Ernest Mhambare, Kurauone Sibanda and his cabal want to cause mayhem and pandemonium and, in the process, disturb the prevailing peace in Zimbabwe,” reads the letter.
Matanga was told that on August 19 Sibanda and his co-accused connived to destroy the numerous Blair toilets at the shrine.
“They proceeded to Ndarikure Shrine with a JCB machine as well as a grader wherein they proceeded to raze down the church toilets which were functioning well in a bid to prevent the church gathering that is scheduled for the 30th of August 2024 to the 1st of September 2024.
“He has allegedly proceeded to dig trenches across the roads leading to the shrine in a bid to block our clients from accessing the shrine.
“Kurauone allegedly discharged a firearm to disperse some of our clients who had proceeded to the shrine to commence preparatory works.
“He proceeded to point the firearm to other church members who tried to negotiate with him,” the letter reads.
Murisi said the fight was political considering that Mnangagwa will be the guest of honour at the gathering.
The lawyers said given this scenario it is critical for the police to provide security services during the conference.
“Our clients suspect that Ernest Mhambare, Kuauone Sibanda, and his cabal are sympathetic to other political actors who are opposed to the Presidency, of His Excellency Cde. Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa since he is the one earmarked to attend as the Guest of Honour,” further reads the letter.
According to the letter, the Mhambare faction is allegedly abusing a court order which was obtained against another faction which the lawyers said does not relate to their clients.
“Despite the consent from Paul Mwazha, Ernest Mhambare and his cabal are attempting to stop the lawful gathering without a lawful order against our clients to that effect.
“It is critical for the Zimbabwe Republic Police to attend our clients’ meetings for purposes of keeping peace since they are peace-loving.
“In the circumstances, our clients are requesting protection and security
during the intended gathering scheduled from 30th of August 2024 to the 1st of September 2024. “
The lawyers also said they want to rebuild toilets at the shrine and install all the necessary facilities and amenities required for them to be able to have a flawless conference. — NewZimbabwe
