NEW: Street preaching illegal, says HCC

Online Reporter

THE Harare City Council has said preaching in the streets by aspiring evangelists is illegal, and is tantamount to disturbing the peace.

In an interview, HCC spokesperson, Mr Michael Chideme, said the public should stop entertaining street preachers.

“These people are disturbing the peace that people should be enjoying in the city while doing their activities. Preaching in the streets is illegal,” he said.

Mr Chideme said the city streets were never meants for preaching.

“Street preachers are supposed to go and preach in churches and not the streets. We blame the public for entertaining them.

“If they want to preach they should invite their followers to their churches,” he said.

In Harare’s central business district (CBD), the corner of First Street and Speke Avenue – which is also known as the Publicity Bureau – has been turned into a church of sorts as different preachers take turns to spread the word of God using speakers and microphones.