BY MOSE MATENGA
THOUSANDS of faithful of the African Apostolic Church led by Paul Ernest Mwazha (VaApostora VeAfrica) are expected to meet next month for a “Holy Communion Passover” in Chirumanzu in the Midlands Province despite prolonged leadership
dispute.
Church members have been in and out of court with old Archbishop Paul Mwazha winning the challenges thrown at him by his son, Alfred.
Church spokesman Wilson Rutsate confirmed the rally.
“It is a holy communion event and we expect thousands of church members to come and receive the body of Christ,” Rutsate said.
The Supreme Court last month upheld part of a High Court ruling on the estate dispute, where Alfred was trying to succeed his 103-year-old father, saying his takeover was unconstitutional.
However, Alfred continued to preside over a church rally, claiming he was the rightful leader despite the High Court order prohibiting him from holding such gatherings.
The church, through Ernest Mhambare – a reverend of the church – brought Alfred to court for contempt of court.
Mhambare accused Alfred of usurping the archbishop’s powers by calling for unauthorized gatherings.
Mwazha’s three sons – Alfred, Ngoni and James – as well as other church elders, Richard Juru, Elson Tafa, Charles Tekeshe, Lovemore Mharadze, Norman Siyamuzhombwe, Gwatirera Jabangwe and Simbanechako Tsveta were cited as respondents.
Mhambare said the church remained under the leadership of Mwazha, 103, adding that those interviewed were trying to take over the church, which was founded in 1959, using unconstitutional means.
Supreme Court Justices George Chiweshe, Susan Mavangira and Tendai Uchena last month upheld the ruling of High Court Judge Tawanda Chitapi, overturning Alfred’s claim to be his father’s successor, calling the decision to take the leadership unconstitutional.
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