Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
THE Methodist Revival Church has intensified its legal battle against a breakaway faction led by Mr Philemon Munyaradzi Chamburuka, accusing it of defying a standing High Court order by continuing to use church property and premises in Rusape and failing to surrender assets as directed by the court.
This follows a 2024 High Court ruling that declared Mr Chamburuka’s purported inauguration as bishop null and void and ordered the return of all church property within seven days.
Despite the order, the breakaway faction is alleged to have remained in occupation of the church premises and recently hosted an Easter Festival at the Rusape property, prompting fresh legal action by the church.
The church’s conference secretary, Reverend Daniel Makava, said the institution, under the leadership of Bishop Phillip Mupindu, was following a clear legal route to reclaim its name, symbol and assets.
“The Methodist Revival Church under the leadership of Bishop Phillip Mupindu is pursuing a clear and structured legal route to reclaim its name, symbol and assets from a breakaway faction that continues to defy a standing court order,” he said.
Rev Makava said following the favourable ruling that affirmed the authority and legitimacy of Bishop Mupindu’s leadership, the church had moved to enforce the judgment through the courts.
“Following a favourable ruling affirming the authority and legitimacy of the Bishop’s leadership, the church has moved to enforce the judgment through the courts, including engaging the Sheriff’s Office to execute asset recovery and initiating contempt of court proceedings against individuals refusing to comply,” he said.
According to the original High Court order under case number R-HCH3300/23 passed by Justice Rogers Manyangadze, the defendant (Mr Chamburuka) and his assignees were directed to return and give access to all assets, equipment and documentation belonging to the church within seven days of the ruling.
The court further barred the faction from unlawfully using the church’s name, signs and other symbols.
Rev Makava said the church’s legal team was prepared to escalate the matter if defiance continued.
“Legal representatives for the church have also indicated that further civil and, if necessary, criminal action may be pursued to ensure full restitution and to prevent ongoing unauthorised use of the church’s identity and property,” he said.
Rev Makava said the legal steps being taken were aimed at preserving the integrity of the institution and protecting congregants.
“The church maintains that these steps are essential not only to uphold the rule of law but also to protect its members from confusion and safeguard its institutional integrity,” he said.
The matter could result in contempt of court proceedings if the allegations of non-compliance are proven, with possible punitive measures against those found to be in defiance of the order.
The renewed court action is expected to sharpen the leadership wrangle, with the focus now on enforcement of the High Court judgment and recovery of control over the Rusape premises.
