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An elderly woman from Gweru is in trouble with her church after she reportedly chanted a political slogan and started castigating those opposed to the ruling party after being asked to pray at a funeral.
For chanting a Zanu PF slogan before starting her prayer and going on to criticise those opposed to the ruling Government in her short and emotional prayer at a funeral wake, Gogo Magrette Maphosa (67) of Mkoba 13 Gweru, courted trouble for herself and was suspended from the Methodist Church.
Gogo Maphosa said it was no secret that she was a Zanu PF supporter.
She said she would remain a member of the church and would serve the suspension with no regret.
“I was at a funeral wake in Mkoba when I was asked to give a prayer,” said Gogo Maphosa. “I am a revolutionary and having participated in my own way in the liberation struggle, I use every platform to pray for my party and my leadership, but on the incident, I admit it was wrong for me to chant a political slogan before the mourners.”
Gogo Maphosa said she had since appeared before a disciplinary committee held by church elders, where she was handed a three months suspension.
“I was also banned from putting on the church regalia during the time of suspension and I gladly accepted the suspension because I deserve to be punished for my actions,” she said.
“It was a wrong platform. I am also a God fearing person, so I will abide by my church’s position because I am still a member of the church.”
Gogo Maphosa said she won’t go to other churches during her suspension, but will pray indoors.
“After all, we are on lockdown and people are not being allowed to gather, so am serving my suspension while home, praying at home,” she said.
A Methodist Church elder who only identified himself as Mr Masvinure confirmed the suspension.
He said the church was apolitical and Gogo Maphosa’s actions at the funeral wake were misplaced.
Online Reporter