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Arron Nyamayaro
AN Anglican priest has come under fire for attacking parents and guardians who failed to pay their children’s mission fees.
The attack, widely circulated on WhatsApp, took place at the St Faith Anglican Mission in Rusape on Monday, with the priest, Taurai Mavhezha being backed by security guards and dogs.
Many parents and guardians had not paid the fees, which enable the church to undertake mission work.
Hired security guards were also reported to have released dogs to attack parents, guardians and students during the disturbance.
Fully clad in his priestly robes, Mavhezha boasted that he had the power to do whatever he wanted as he had the blessings of the church leaders.
A video clip shot at the school shows Mavhezha, security guards and the dogs manning the gate to prevent parents and students from entering the school.
The parents and guardians eventually overpowered the security guards and Mavhezha and drove their children into the school premises.
The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many condemning the use of force to collect fees and questioning the church’s priorities.
Some parents and guardians called for Mavhezha to be disciplined and for the church to revisit its approach to financing mission work.
One parent blasted Mavhezha and senior church leaders as greedy, selfish and pathetic for their unholy conduct which triggered the disturbances.
“Hapana huMwari apa. Zvaitika paSt Faith’s Madetere nhasi zvakaoma, nekunyadzisa imiwe.
“Hanzi Mavhezha akaendesa ma-security guard five nembwa marimwe zuro, kuti vanogarira vana vasina kubhadhara mission fund.
“Hanzi vabereki out of 115 ma-Form 5 only seven paid mission fund.
“Parents vajamuka vakati mirayi nyaya ipere kucourt yemission fund mozoti bhadharisa. Parents asked for proof that collecting the mission fund is legal,” wrote the parent.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter