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Harare Bureau
THE government has urged the police to thoroughly investigate allegations of widespread abuse of women and children that were recently reported at the Johanne Masowe eChishanu Budiriro 2-based sect and bring the perpetrators to book. Last Friday, seven police officers in riot gear, journalists and members of the Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe were seriously injured when the sect’s members attacked them with staff, sticks and stones.This was after ACCZ president Archbishop Johannes Ndanga had announced that the sect had been banned from operating in Zimbabwe because it violated national and Christian laws.
Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development Minister Cde Oppah Muchinguri said in an interview yesterday that there was need to institute investigations on individuals who were abusing women and children.
Evidence would be critical to prosecute the perpetrators.
“It is very important to instigate investigations,” she said. “We need thorough investigations on the individuals behind all these allegations.
“We don’t condemn churches, but there are some individuals who join some churches with hidden agendas. So, let’s deal with cases on individual basis.”
She said those found on the wrong side of the law should be prosecuted and “face the music”.
She said some of the perpetrators were harassing women and children with impunity, violating the country’s laws.
There was need to educate some apostolic sects on the country’s laws.
The sect’s leader Madzibaba Ishmael Mufani is believed to be hiding at secluded areas in Harare, with 28 of his members having appeared in court facing charges of assault.
Meanwhile, another member of the Johanne Masowe eChishanu Apostolic church who had been on the run after he allegedly assaulted police, journalists and ACCZ officials, yesterday appeared in court.
This brings the number of suspects arrested so far in connection with the case to 28.
Ndumiso Moyo, 37, appeared before Vakayi Chikwekwe charged with public violence.
Chikwekwe remanded him in custody to June 16 after the state led by Gift Zumbika opposed bail.
His alleged accomplices have since appeared in court facing the same charges.
Zumbika said Moyo was not a suitable candidate for bail considering that his other accomplices including their leader Madzibaba Ishmael Mufani are still at large.
He added that Moyo is facing a serious charge which on conviction could lead to prison term and this could make him flee if granted bail.
On Tuesday, Chikwekwe blasted the prosecution for making conflicting decisions and said it was being unprofessional by blowing “hot and cold” on the case.
The state had called for bail for the 24 suspects who appeared in court on Tuesday when barely 12 hours earlier they had vehemently opposed bail for three of their accomplices.
The state yesterday made a U-turn and opposed strongly bail for Moyo vindicating Chikwekwe’s assertion.
derick.khumalo