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Freeman Razemba Harare Bureau
Twenty members of the Johanne Masowe eChishanu Sect led by Madzibaba Ishmael Mufani have been arrested in connection with the brutal attack on seven police officers, journalists and others last Friday in Budiriro 2, Harare.The arrests came as Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi yesterday issued a strong warning against violent sect members who he said would face the full wrath of the law.
Those arrested are likely to appear in court today.
Seven police officers in riot gear, journalists and members of the Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe were seriously injured when the Johanne Masowe eChishanu apostolic sect members attacked them with knobkerries, sticks and stones.
This was after ACCZ executive president Archbishop Johannes Ndanga had announced that the sect had been banned from operating in Zimbabwe because it violated national and Christian laws.
Officers close to the investigations yesterday said most of the suspects had been arrested in Epworth at the weekend and are being held at Harare Central Police Station.
The sources said some of those arrested were assisting police to identify other suspects.
“They are likely to appear in court on Monday (today) facing public violence charges and for undermining the police,” said one police source.
Police spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba, would not comment, saying she would no longer talk to our Harare Bureau.
On Friday she told ZBC News that police were investigating and perpetrators would face charges of assault and inciting public violence.
Minister Mohadi said everyone should observe the country’s laws and never undermine its enforcers.
“We strongly condemn such behaviour by church members. We condemn that with the strongest terms. People should not take the law into their own hands. No Zimbabwean should take the law into his or her hands.
“If they are aggrieved, there are procedures to follow. We are all Zimbabweans, we should observe the laws of the country,” said Minister Mohadi.
Our Harare Bureau yesterday visited the area in Budiriro 2 where the attack occurred and spoke to residents who said they always suspected wrongdoings at the shrine.
They said Madzibaba Ishmael took over the church sometime in 2004, following the death of Madzibaba Nehemiah.
One resident said members from other apostolic sects were unhappy with the way Madzibaba Ishmael had been conducting his business and had on several occasions warned him to reform.
“He has between 300 and 400 followers who strongly believe in him. These people have been seriously brainwashed and they do everything that he orders.
“They are not also allowed to own television sets and women do not use electric stoves for cooking. We also hear that men are not allowed to wear underwear. What kind of church is that?” asked another resident.
There are allegations of widespread abuse of women in the sect, and children are not allowed to attend conventional schools.
The violence started when congregants started singing a song called “Hondo Yepfumo Neropa” and smashed a ZBC vehicle.
They said they only recognised President Mugabe’s leadership and not Archbishop Ndanga. The archbishop had come with police and journalists to disband the sect, a move that legal experts said he had no authority to do.
The injured, including ZBC camera person Relax Mafurutu, were taken to Harare Hospital and Garden City Clinic in Highfield.
Yesterday Mafurutu was still admitted to West End Hospital, with his condition said to be stable. Some cops were treated and discharged.
Archbishop Ndanga beat a hasty retreat to his Range Rover and escaped the mob that was baying for his blood.
Online Reporter