TWO more members of the Johane Masowe weChishanu apostolic sect accused of bludgeoning police officers, journalists and Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ) officials last week, yesterday appeared in court on allegations of public violence.
SENIOR REPORTER
Harare magistrate Vakai Chikwekwe remanded Prayer Parira (22) and Cilbert Madyira (30) to June 16. The duo brought to 30 the number of sect members arrested in connection with the alleged violence act so far.
Allegations against the two are that on May 30 at Budiriro 2 Park, Johanne Masowe weChishanu sect site run by Madzibaba Ishmael Mufani – who is still at large – they were worshipping at the shrine when violence broke out.
The court heard that ACCZ executive president Johannes Ndanga and a 26-member delegation that included anti-riot police details and journalists arrived at the church which had been earmarked for closure following allegations of women and child abuse.
Some of the congregants allegedly challenged Ndanga to read his speech in Shona claiming they were not conversant with English. Ndanga is alleged to have ordered the police details to arrest one of the congregants who kept interjecting his speech.
Keep Reading
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Other congregants then turned violent and charged at Ndanga.
Parira and Madyira, together with the other men congregated at the site, started throwing stones and assaulting police officers, ZBC journalists Relax Marufu and Tichaona Meza and an ACCZ delegate Langton Muchena, the court heard. Those that were attacked sustained serious injuries.
A ZBC truck was damaged on the rear and front windscreen, and a tripod camera stand valued at $1 350 was damaged. Madzibaba Ishmael and some of his followers are reportedly on the run.