adminFreedom Mupanedemo Midlands Correspondent
A Zvishavane pastor is ruing the day he briefly abandoned his collar in pursuit of politics after he was kicked-out of his church-rented house.His church, The Living Word Church, has allegedly stopped paying rent for him because of his participation in politics during last year’s 31 July harmonised elections.
The pastor, Raisi Muparuri, ended up having rental arrears and the landlady, driven probably by earthly needs, kicked him out.
Muparuri, however, is contesting the eviction and the amount which the owner of the house, Tattler Kwashira, is claiming.
The house in question is number 34 Highlands Road, Zvishavane and the landlady is reportedly demanding $3,000 which she says is the outstanding rentals.
Said a source: “Pastor Muparuri, who is a pastor and leader of Living Word Church Zvishavane branch, has been staying in a rented church house in Zvishavane Central Business District.
The church stopped paying rentals for the pastor in August last year accusing the pastor of being active in politics. He was the election agent for Zanu-PF’s Zvishavane candidate for the House of National Assembly, Cde John Holder.
The source said Muparuri contested the eviction and the matter was now before the courts in Zvishavane.
“Muparuri is arguing that the church does not owe Kwashira the $3,000 that she is claiming,” said the source.
Kwashira is being represented by lawyer Leopold Mudisi of Mutendi Shumba Legal practitioners.
Mudisi yesterday confirmed representing Kwashira in the matter but could not comment further arguing that he was in a meeting.
Muparuri also confirmed being kicked out of the Zvishavane house by Kwashira.
He was, however, quick to add that he was fighting the eviction in the courts. Muparuri claims the church only stopped paying his rentals for three months when he was involved in politics.
“I am a pastor with Living Word Church and the church only stopped paying rentals for my accommodation when I became an elections agent for Cde Holder in Zvishavane during last year’s harmonised elections.
The owner of the house, however, instituted legal action against me arguing that I was in arrears.
“I am, however, contesting the amount which Kwashira is claiming the church owed her,” he said.
Muparuri, however, is contesting the eviction and the amount which the owner of the house, Tattler Kwashira, is claiming.
Online Reporter