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Fidelis Munyoro Chief Court Reporter
Jameson Pedzisai’s attempt to wrestle control of Zion Apostolic Faith Mission Church from the heir apparent failed after he was blocked by the High Court in his bid to evict his brother Ezra from the church.
The two sons of the late founder of Zion Apostolic Faith Mission, Church Bishop Dorius Pedzisai Shoko, are locked in a string of litigations over control of the church.
It all started soon after the death of their father in August last year.
Justice Garainesu Mawadze granted an application by Ezra and interdicted his brother Jameson and his followers from interfering with the church’s activities pending the finalisation of the case.
Through his lawyer, Advocate Thabani Mpofu, Ezra sought the intervention of the High Court to stop Jameson from ejecting him from the shrine without due process.
Jameson, who was represented by Mr Tererai Gunje of Gunje and Chasakara law firm, noted an appeal against a judgment by High Court judge Justice Loyce Matanda-Moyo in September last year arguing that the appeal effectively suspended the court’s decision.
But Adv Mpofu argued that his client took occupation of the shrine on the strength of the court order.
He argued that at the time, no appeal had been noted hence there was no appeal and the occupation was lawful.
The dispute spilled into the High Court for a determination as to who is the rightful heir to the throne.
Jameson and Ezra Pedzisai were born of different mothers, with Ezra coming from the second wife.
The church has always insisted that its bishop is Ezra, who was anointed to the throne.
Jameson claimed to be the legitimate bishop, leading followers in the claim of the church.
Following Shoko’s death, Ezra was appointed the new bishop on the basis that their father had spoken by word of mouth and written in his will that Ezra should take over the church leadership.
Jameson, however, argued that Ezra’s appointment was a violation of church tradition.
The church’s succession tradition, argued Jameson, was based on the September 27, 1947 covenant between Samuel Mutendi, David Masuka and Andrew Shoko, representing the three Zion churches.
The covenant, according to Jameson, dictates that upon the death of a bishop, the late bishop’s eldest son from his first wife takes over the throne and is supposed to be ordained by the remaining two bishops or their successors at the deceased bishop’s memorial service.
He denied that there was ever such an appointment made by word of mouth and that there was no written confirmation to that effect.
During Shoko’s memorial ceremony held on December 30 last year, Ezra was ordained the new bishop.
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