Chronicle Editor
Andile Tshuma, Chronicle reporter
The leader of a splinter group of the Apostolic Faith Mission of Portland Oregon in Southern Africa Reverend Richard Sibanda and three other church members have appeared in court facing contempt of court charges.
The quartet was remanded out of custody to December 12 after the State indicated that it was not ready to commence trial.
Rev Sibanda (81) of Pelandaba suburb, Omega Mpofu and Paul Sibanda who also reside in the same suburb and Tongai Mawere (51) of Old Pumula suburb appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Ms Adelaide Mbeure charged with unlawful entry and contempt of court.
Prosecuting, Mr Alfonso Makonese said on July 27 this year, a ruling was made by the Supreme Court directing Rev Sibanda to vacate church premises.
The Supreme Court barred Rev Richard Sibanda from controlling the church properties after the parent church in Portland, Oregon, United States of America, suspended him in 2012.
“On the 27 July 2018, the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe ruled that Richard Sibanda and all those claiming the right of occupation through him, were to immediately relinquish possession and use of all complainant’s properties which include house number 16 Amartje Road, Four Winds, Bulawayo,” he said.
Subsequent to the Supreme Court judgment, a warrant of ejection against Reverend Sibanda and others was duly issued on August 6.
“On the 16th day of August between the hours of 0800 and 1500 hrs and at 16 Amartje Road, Four winds, Bulawayo, Tongai Mawere, Omega Mpofu, Paul Sibanda, and Richard Sibanda, or one or more of them intentionally and without permission over authority from Kwaziso Bosha representing Apostolic Faith Mission of Portland Oregon in Zimbabwe, the lawful occupier of 16 Amartje Road, Fourwinds, Bulawayo or any other lawful authority, entered the premises in question after breaking locks, despite having been lawfully evicted from the said premises by the sheriff on the strength of a warrant of execution,” said Mr Makonese.
He said after the court order was issued, the sheriff changed locks and duly handed over the keys to the complainant’s representatives. A security company was engaged to guard the premises.
On August 16, the accused persons allegedly proceeded to the property in the company of other accomplices, where they broke the new locks and entered the premises. — @andile_tshuma
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