Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
ORGANISERS of the Roadmap to Jesus International Ministries crusade in Zimbabwe are expected to appear in court following an application that seeks to compel them to pull down billboards they erected promoting the event.
The Synagogue Church of All Nations has appealed for an interdict to stop the organisers from using the late SCOAN founder Prophet T.B. Joshua’s picture in promotional billboards erected in Harare and Gweru.
One of the organisers, Jeremiah Majiwa Tsumba, received the summons on Wednesday and is expected to appear at Kwekwe Magistrates’ Civil Court on July 3.
The billboards were reportedly put up to advertise an upcoming crusade, prompting SCOAN’s attorneys and administrators to intervene in order to protect the late cleric’s legacy and likeness from being exploited without consent.
In its application, SCOAN sought an order stating that the respondent and anyone acting on his behalf should not use Prophet T.B. Joshua’s image, photograph, likeness, or name in connection with any crusade or religious gathering, including advertisements and promotional material, without SCOAN’s authority.
The application further states that the respondent should remove all banners, posters, flyers, social media publications, and other promotional material bearing Prophet T.B. Joshua’s image, likeness, or name within seven days of being served with the court order.
The application also seeks to prevent the organisers from implying that their activities are affiliated with, endorsed by, authorised by, or conducted under the auspices of SCOAN Zimbabwe.
SCOAN also asked the court that the respondent pay the costs of the application.It was reported that Violet Masuku, SCOAN’s Zimbabwe national coordinator, personally approached the organisers and engaged them regarding the unauthorised use of Prophet T.B. Joshua’s image and likeness on banners and other promotional material used during the organisers’ crusades and religious gatherings.
The crusade is set for July 10-13 this year in Harare.
