In an unusual plea, leaders of the Africa Apostolic Church (Mwazha) have asked for police protection for their upcoming annual meeting, scheduled to take place from 30 August to 1 September 2024, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa as the guest of honour. This request comes in the wake of increasing internal strife within the church.
Reverend Nyika Murisi, head of one faction, has accused fellow church members Ernest Mhambare and Kurauone Sibanda of sabotaging preparations at the Ndarikure Shrine. Murisi’s faction claims that on 19 August, Mhambare and Sibanda destroyed toilets at the shrine and fired shots at church members who attempted to intervene.
In response to these incidents, Murisi has sent a formal request to Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga, seeking police intervention. The letter, drafted by the law firm Rubaya and Chatambudza Legal Practitioners, was also sent to President Mnangagwa, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya, and the ministers of Home Affairs and Justice.
According to Murisi, Archbishop Paul Mwazha has granted permission to hold the conference. However, the letter asserts that Mhambare and Sibanda, whom the letter accuses of trying to thwart the event, are potentially acting out of political motives given Mnangagwa’s involvement.
The letter describes a series of disruptions allegedly caused by Mhambare and Sibanda, including the use of heavy machinery to damage facilities and the creation of obstacles to block access to the shrine. There were also allegations of gunfire aimed at congregants.
Murisi’s faction suspects that Mhambare and his associates are aligned with political adversaries of Mnangagwa, further complicating the situation. The letter argues that the Mhambare faction is exploiting a court order unrelated to their dispute to justify their actions against Murisi’s group.
In light of these developments, Murisi’s faction has emphasized the need for police presence to ensure a peaceful gathering. They also plan to repair the damaged facilities at the shrine to facilitate a smooth conference.
