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A LONG-STANDING rift between members of the Independent African Church (Mushakata) in Dangamvura and the church’s former conference chairman, Mr Darlington Muzanechita ended last week after the courts barred the latter and his accomplices from causing chaos and claiming to be legitimate leaders of the institution.
The High Court ruled that Shame Shelton Chituri was the legitimate bishop of the Independent African Church and Mr Muzanechita was ordered not to harass the church and its members.
The defendants, Mr Muzanechita, Mr Stephen Dangarembwa and Mr Rodwell Pangakushoma were also interdicted from being “agents of the church” and having access to the church facilities without the “express consent” of Mr Chituri and church members.
The trio was also ordered to pay costs of suit on client.
Late last year, members of the church staged a mini-demo against Mr Muzanechita whom they accused of refusing to call for an extra-ordinary conference to address burning issues and nepotism among a plethora of allegations.
Close to 20 people gathered at the church premises, singing and dancing to hymns, waving spiteful placards and demanding the stepping down of Mr Muzanechita.
Some of the placards were inscribed: “Muzanechita must go”, “Muzanechita watinetsa baya” and “We want conference now.”
The rift, according to church members interviewed, started in October 2012 when the church, Bishop John Nhaitai passed away.
Heated succession battles and divisions, as well as splits arose before spilling into the courts.
In their court papers, the church members accused the trio of causing confusion and tension in the church.
In a separate court case heard in Mutare, 15 members of the church who sought protection order at Mutare Magistrates’ Court against the alleged perpetrators of the confusion who are Mr Muzanechita, Mr Shepherd Rusanga, Mr Renious Mugabe, Mr Lloyd Travor Mayakayaka, Mr Jona Mareya and Mr Rueben Chihwai were granted their application.
Mrs Yeukai Chigodora ordered the six to keep order towards the applicants, not to bar the applicants from worshipping at Dangamvura Assembly and make decisions which are in terms of constitution and enforced in terms of law.
“On analysing the arguments by both parties, the applicants managed to prove on a balance of probabilities that their peace was disturbed.
“The respondents’ only complained on the delay in making the application, but does not deny the events of September 26 in 2015. I am convinced that the application is merited. In enjoying their right to unfettered access to church premises as per the court order, the respondents should not disturb applicants’ peace,” said Mrs Chigodora.
Online Reporter