×
NewsDay

AMH is an independent media house free from political ties or outside influence. We have four newspapers: The Zimbabwe Independent, a business weekly published every Friday, The Standard, a weekly published every Sunday, and Southern and NewsDay, our daily newspapers. Each has an online edition.

Mugodhi church wrangle: Founder’s son risks arrest

News
The newly-installed Mugodhi Apostolic Church leader Washington Mugodhi, who was coronated last week after being appointed by his late father Tadewu in violation of the church’s constitution, is facing contempt of court charges for ignoring a High Court order barring him from taking reins at the church.

BY DESMOND CHINGARANDE

The newly-installed Mugodhi Apostolic Church leader Washington Mugodhi, who was coronated last week after being appointed by his late father Tadewu in violation of the church’s constitution, is facing contempt of court charges for ignoring a High Court order barring him from taking reins at the church.

Washington, who was allegedly installed at the memorial service of his late father as the substantive church leader, defied the High Court order which stopped him from representing the church before the matter is finalised in court.

According to the High Court order of December 18, 2019, the applicant Mugodhi Apostolic Faith Church was granted a final order to access the church premises particularly the church’s shrine in Wedza and Tadewu and his children, Washington, Innocent and Enock Mugodhi who were cited in the application were ordered to pay the costs of court.

“Pending finalisation of this matter an interim order is hereby granted on condition that the interim order shall remain operational despite noting of an appeal by the respondents,” the High Court order read.

The church’s constitution stipulates that the vice bishop — then Tony Sigauke — should succeed the bishop, but Tadewu gave his son the position which irked the church leadership.

Sigauke’s faction has approached the High Court seeking Washington to be charged with contempt of court saying he was allegedly disturbing church activities at the shrine. Washington is, however, yet to respond to respond.