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THE fights existing in Guta RaJehova over the control of the sacred shrine in Zvimba date back to 2004 when one of the church’s branch leaders took over the reins.
Mr Hatitye Masendu is reported to have declared himself the president of the church founded by Matenga, better known as Mai Chaza. This triggered a fight with the founder’s grandchildren who were facing eviction from the land on which the shrine is located.
The fight turned nasty with Mr Masendu followers locking their rivals out of the shrine, which is a mausoleum for the late Mai Chaza.
It is alleged that the incident claimed the life of Mr Roderick Munemo, who died after he was injured in the 2005 clashes when the dispute turned violent.
Police arrested Mr Francis Rukuni, one of the founder’s great-grandsons but he was later released without the case going to trial due to lack of evidence.
According to newspaper reports at the time, Mr Rukuni accused Mr Masendu of dividing the church. Mr Rukuni said Mr Masendu ganged up with criminals with the aim of wresting control for his financial benefit. Mr Masendu denied the allegations, saying he was chosen to lead the group by the founder when she prophesied his impending leadership just before her death in the 1960s.
“I was just a leader of the Chinhoyi section but Mai Chaza asked me to lead the church,” Mr Masendu was quoted saying by The Herald in 2009.
GRJ is known by its trademark khakhi shorts and shirts worn by male members, while the women wear white clothing.
Online Reporter