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The Heads of Christian Denominations in Zimbabwe (ZHOCD) have welcomed the recent statement made by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, affirming his commitment to uphold the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
ZHOCD is an umbrella body that comprises prominent Christian organizations, including the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ), the Union for Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe Africa (UDACIZA), the Zimbabwe Catholics Bishops Conference (ZCBC), and the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC).
In his address at the commissioning of the Mutare Teachers College’s fruit juice and water processing plant on July 4, 2024, President Mnangagwa pledged not to seek a third term in office, thereby reaffirming his respect for the constitutional mandate that limits the presidential term to two terms.
In a statement, ZHOCD praised President Mnangagwa’s public commitment, saying by refusing to extend his presidency beyond the legal limits, he has taken a significant step towards reinforcing democratic norms and promoting national unity in Zimbabwe. It said:
<blockquote>
Therefore, the Church calls upon all Zimbabweans to honour the President’s decision and to support him in the completion of his constitutional term. It also calls upon all Zimbabweans to embrace a spirit of peaceful and transparent leadership renewal. It is imperative that the process remains free from intimidation, violence, and manipulation to ensure national stability and the consolidation of our democracy.
</blockquote>
Despite Mnangagwa’s public commitment to respect the constitutional two-term limit, some ZANU PF structures have since called for the President to continue in office beyond his current term, which is set to end in 2028.
However, even if there were to be a constitutional amendment to remove the term limits, the incumbent president would not be able to benefit from such a change.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

The Churches in Zimbabwe are happy that the President said he won't try to be president for a third time. They think it's important to follow the rules and have peaceful leadership changes. The President's term is supposed to end in 2028, and even if they change the rules, he can't stay in power. The Churches want everyone to support the President and have a fair and peaceful process for choosing the next leader. They think it's important for the country to stay stable and democratic.

Churches Welcome ED's Pledge Not To Seek A Third Term

Bishop Rocky Moyo, the president of the Council of Churches in Africa, has urged the church, particularly traditional churches, to discuss sex issues, rather than leave the youth and teenagers at the mercy of misleading information from the internet.
Moyo said newspapers are full of reports about teenage pregnancies and teenagers who have joined the sex work industry, and this is partly attributable to the church’s failure to discuss sex issues. Moyo said (via <a href="https://bmetro.co.zw/preach-about-sex-in-churches-bishop/">B-Metro</a>):
<blockquote>
I’m an avid newspaper reader, so I keep up to date with current affairs. One issue that has hit me hard is the issue of teenagers falling pregnant, after that, they stop coming to church and some adopt delinquent behaviours and join the sex work industry.
In some cases, after the teen falls pregnant, she drops out of school. Some youths desert their families while some stop attending church services as they would be depressed and ashamed of being labelled all sorts of names.
Some of the church members are the reason behind the depression as they are quick to accuse the girl of being promiscuous, but they do not blame the boy who would have impregnated the girl.
</blockquote>
Moyo said churches should have literature on sex that is specifically tailored for teenagers as this will help them make informed decisions rather than letting them rely on internet information.
A Brethren in Christ Church (BICC) reverend who chose not to be named told B-Metro that the issue of sex is rarely discussed at their church. Said the cleric:
<blockquote>
At our church, the issue of sex is rarely discussed and is discussed at Youth camps only and that is once or twice a year.
Sadly, some of the youths do not attend camps and they are left at the mercy of wrong information.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Moyo said some churches find it difficult to discuss the issue as parents and their children would be in the same room.
Zimbabwe’s teenage pregnancy rate stands at approximately 22%, placing the country at position 28 out of 54 on UNICEF’s early childbearing list.
Teenage pregnancy has significant psycho-social, economic, development, and health costs.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Church Bishop Calls For Sex Education In Churches

The Zion Christian Church Kumuka Kwavakafa Nhaudzashe (ZCCKK), has expelled a bishop for putting the church into disrepute.
The defrocked cleric, Lyphet Matenda Mugaviri, allegedly tried to lure his daughter-in-law into an illicit sexual relationship.
Mugaviri reportedly sent his nudes to Olinda Mashavave, who is the wife of his brother’s son, Lesly Mugaviri.
After she had been bombarded with nudes and love proposals by the bishop via WhatsApp, Olinda reported the matter to her husband, Lesly.
Lesly then trapped his uncle by chatting with him using his wife’s WhatsApp, and he took the bait.
ZCCKK representative, Elder Ngonidzaishe Hungwe, confirmed to <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/shamed-and-shunned-love-struck-bishop-expelled-from-church/">H-Metro </a>that Bishop Mugaviri had been excommunicated. He said:
<blockquote>
The bishop’s act has put the church in a bad light. The church has expelled him.
The bishop was recently accused of attempting to commit adultery with his daughter-in-law.
The church distances itself from such immoral acts and views them as contrary to our core values, doctrines, beliefs and practices.
After monitoring and investigating the issue, the church noted that the bishop not only damaged his personal reputation but also portrayed the entire church in bad light.
</blockquote>
Hungwe said they will meet in August at a memorial service of one of the church members and they will announce a new bishop at the event.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bishop Expelled From Church For Attempting To Bed His Daughter-in-law

Police in Bulawayo have arrested a 36-year-old man in connection with armed robberies that occurred at two local churches recently.
ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi on Wednesday, said police have arrested Benard Mudimba in Lobengula in connection with the cases.
He said Mudimba implicated Muthulisi Dimba and Vinicent Mpofu who are yet to be arrested. Said Asst Comm Nyathi:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Benard Mudimba (36) in connection with cases of robbery which occurred between 04th May 2023 and 13th July 2023 at some churches in Bulawayo.
On 13th July 2023 detectives from CID Homicide arrested the suspect at a house in Lobengula Bulawayo after receiving information that linked him to the cases.
The suspect implicated Muthulisi Dimba and Vinicent Mpofu who are still at large.
The suspect is being linked to a case of robbery which occurred on 13th July 2023 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church Bulawayo where the church’s priest was attacked before US$1 220.00 and ZAR 2 500.00 cash, a cellphone and an Isuzu single cab vehicle, registration number AFD 0457, were stolen.
He is also clearing a case of robbery which occurred on 13th July 2023 at Liberty Christian Church where the church’s caretaker was attacked before US$150.00 cash, a pair of shoes, a hair dryer, a generator and amplifier were stolen.
</blockquote>
The suspects were reportedly armed with a machete, iron bar and a kitchen knife when they pounced on House of Liberty Christian Church.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Police Arrest Man (36) Linked Armed Robberies At Churches

The Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church is using sports to fight drug and substance abuse among youths in Matabeleland South Province.
The SDA church, working with its partners, hosted a sports gala in Bulilima District to educate young people on the effects of the scourge.
On Sunday, the church held various sporting activities such as football, volleyball, basketball and netball.
Youths who spoke to <a href="https://zbcnews.co.zw/2023/06/13/church-uses-sport-to-fight-drug-and-substance-abuse/">ZBC News</a> welcomed the initiative saying young people now have something to keep them occupied. Said a youth:
<blockquote>
We appreciate this initiative to fight drug and substance abuse through sport because it makes youth have something to do in the rural area.
The fact that this initiative is not a once of thing but a program is an ongoing initiative and will help us as youths in the area to concentrate on the activities especially those that love sports.
</blockquote>
Brian Moyo of the Adventist Church said drug and substance abuse is no longer affecting urban societies only but has cascaded to rural areas as well. Moyo said:
<blockquote>
This is a good initiative but it is high time to take awareness campaigns to places that have been marginalised for a long period such as rural areas.
Although drug and substance abuse seems to be prevalent in urban areas, the effects are also being felt in rural areas.
There is a need to talk about how Omalayitsha are bringing drugstore from Botswana and South Africa supplying youths.
We are going to capacitate the youths around the area of Solusi so that we tackle this issue and avoid relapses.
</blockquote>
Commonly used substances in Zimbabwe include glue, bronclee, mangemba, tumbwa, cane sprit, marijuana, codeine and crystal meth (guka, dombo, mutoriro).
In case you have a son, daughter, friend, or relative who has a problem with drug abuse, the following public psychiatric institutions offer help in fighting drug addiction:
<blockquote>
1. Sally Mugabe Psychiatric Unit (Harare)
2. Parirenyatwa Annex Psychiatric Unit (Harare)
3. Ingutsheni Psychiatric Hospital (Bulawayo)
4. Ngomahuru Hospital and Half-way House (Masvingo)
The following institutions also offer counselling and rehabilitation services for patients battling drug addiction:
1. Highlands Halfway Home +2638644210999
2. Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre +263273790238
3. Serenity Mind Centre +263716825245
4. Tirivanhu Rehabilitation +263773593014
5. Beatrice Rehabilitation Harare
6. Tariro Rehabilitation Centre, Harare
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

SDA Church Uses Sport To Fight Drug And Substance Abuse

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said the State and the church are inseparable and the relationship dates back to the days of the struggle for independence from colonial rule.
Mnangagwa made the remarks at the centenary celebrations of ZAOGA Forward in Faith Ministries founder, Archbishop Ezekiel Guti held at Glamis Arena in Harare on Sunday. He said:
<blockquote>
The partnership and synergy between the State and Church is inseparable and dates back to the days of our protracted armed liberation struggle.
At cottage 953 in Harare Highfields, ZAOGA was nurtured to ultimately occupy the space that was predominantly a preserve of missionaries from beyond our borders.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa assured the church that under his Government, freedom of worship is guaranteed. He said:
<blockquote>
I want to assure the Church fraternity that under the Second Republic, freedom of worship is constitutionally guaranteed.
My Government will further facilitate an enabling environment for the Church to carry out the great commission and to win souls, heal the sick and proclaim the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
Equally orphans, widows, the disabled and the elderly must be taken care of.
Together, as the State and Church, let us also nurture a citizenry, especially the youth, who are patriotic, disciplined, morally upright and loyal to our country Zimbabwe.
It is commendable, that to date, the Church fraternity has remained a beacon of Ubuntu/Hunhu as well as accelerating social development.
Specifically, your ZAOGA churches, educational institutions and Bible schools are churning out graduates who are ably serving in our national institutions, across Government and in the private sector.
</blockquote>
ZAOGA-FIF runs the Mbuya Dorcas Hospital, Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University, Ezekiel Television, and has Dress Making Training Centres as well as primary and secondary schools. Said Mnangagwa:
<blockquote>
These and other life-transforming projects you have undertaken as a Church are praiseworthy.
Accordingly, in 2021 my Government saw it befitting to honour and confer with Archbishop Baba Guti, with the Order of the Star of Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
Archbishop Guti’s wife, Euna, expressed gratitude to Mnangagwa for attending the celebrations.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

State And Church Inseparable - Mnangagwa

A United Methodist Church Reverend (pastor) escaped serious injury after congregants ushered him out of the church during a fracas involving his relatives.
Reverend Blessing Saunyama (pictured), who is in charge of the United Methodist Church’s Stream View Circuit in Chikanga, Mutare, was conducting a service when his relatives stormed the church.
Eyewitnesses told The Manica Post that Saunyama’s relatives arrived at the church around midday and demanded to be given a chance to air their grievances against the reverend.
They accused the man of the cloth of causing mayhem in the family through ungodly acts, bordering on wizardry.
Local church elders reportedly blocked Saunyama’s relatives from reaching the pulpit and they responded by shouting obscenities and threatening to assault the reverend.
The Reverend’s relatives accused him of causing the death of several family members. Said a congregant:
<blockquote>
Rev Saunyama was whisked out of the church by congregants as the marauding group was baying for his blood.
Some are alleging that he received a few blows from the angry men, but I did not see it.
What I know is that church elders are the ones who ended up receiving beatings from the relatives who were angry that they (elders) had helped Rev Saunyama escape.
Something serious would have happened if the group had managed to corner Rev Saunyama as they were seething with anger.
</blockquote>
Another church member said police had to be called in to quell the disturbances. She said:
<blockquote>
They said something about having come from Mutasa or Nyanga, I do not remember very well.
They shouted obscenities and accused the reverend of causing deaths within their family.
They were just livid. Police had to be called in to quell the disturbances.
</blockquote>
Reverend Saunyama, however, denied allegations that he was beaten up by his relatives. He said:
<blockquote>
I was never beaten up. Nobody touched me during the disturbances. I am okay emotionally and physically.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson in Manicaland Province, Inspector Nobert Muzondo, said the report about the incident had not yet reached his office. | <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/relatives-attack-reverend-in-church/">The Manica Post</a>

Methodist Reverend Assaulted During Church Service

An armed gang stormed into a church in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, before making off with personal items belonging to the congregants, including tithes.
The robbery took place on Saturday afternoon at a Seventh-Day Adventist church.
Gauteng police spokesperson Col Noxolo Kweza confirmed the incident, saying a case of robbery has been opened. Said Kweza:
<blockquote>
A group of armed men walked into the church around midday and demanded personal items from the congregants while pointing firearms at them. No one was injured. No arrests have been made.
</blockquote>
Acting Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Major General Tommy Mthombeni condemned the attack on the church. He said:
<blockquote>
Police will do everything to bring the perpetrators to book. Church members should be allowed to do their business peacefully.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/armed-gang-walks-into-johannesburg-church-and-robs-congregants-20221127">News24</a>

Armed Gang Walks Into Church In South Africa And Robs Congregants

A 43-year-old Zimbabwean woman who was the treasurer of the Pretoria City Seventh-day Adventist church has been jailed for an effective three years for stealing R800 000 in tithe money in South Africa.
Memory Mutsika was convicted by the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court for 128 counts of theft which occurred over a four-year period.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mutsika’s responsibilities included transferring tithe and offering money deposited to the church account, to the Northern Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
NPA spokesperson for Pretoria, Lumka Mahanjana, said that between 2012 and 2015, Mutsika transferred more than R800 000 of the money received from the tithe and offerings to her bank account.
Mahanjana said Mutsika converted the money to her personal use and pleaded guilty to the charges.
She said Mutsika had asked for a non-custodial sentence to enable her to repay the church the money over five years. Added Mahanjana:
<blockquote>
However, the State argued that Mutsika always indicated her willingness to pay back the money and had not paid back a single cent since March 2022 after her conviction.
The magistrate agreed with the State and said Mutsika showed no remorse, and that she only stopped stealing not because of her conscience, but because she was caught.
The church placed her in a position of trust, but she betrayed that trust. He further said that he viewed Mutsika’s willingness to pay back the money, as a bargaining tool and as a ticket to keep her out of prison.
Therefore, a sentence of imprisonment was appropriate and criminal conduct has consequences.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zim-woman-jailed-in-sa-for-stealing-r800-000-tithe-money/">The Herald</a>

Seventh-day Adventist Zim Woman Jailed In SA For Stealing Tithe Money

Police in Harare have arrested five suspected armed robbers who were targetting mainly churches in and around Harare between March and July this year.
In a statement this Thursday, national police spokesperson, Assitant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said some of the suspects were arrested at Glenview Shopping Centre following a shootout. Said Asst Comm Nyathi:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of John Chizhanje (47), Panashe Kaseke (18), Ephraim Douglas Dube (54), Emmanuel Munemo (32) and Lazarus Mhishi (43) for a spate of robbery cases targeting mainly churches in and around Harare between March and July 2022.
On 18th July 2022, detectives acted on a tip-off and arrested John Chizhanje who implicated, Panashe Kaseke, Ephraim Dube, Emmanuel Munemo, Lazarus Mhizhi, Kudakwashe Mudzingwa alias Umbro, Kalisto Mavhima, Shonhiwa Mujuru, Brian Murape, and three other suspects only identified as TK, Sabelo as well as Eazy.
The Police tracked the suspects to Glenview Shopping Centre where they arrested Panashe Kaseke, Ephraim Douglas Dube, Emmanuel Munemo and Lazarus Mhishi after a shootout.
A Girsan 9mm Parabellum pistol loaded with a magazine of two rounds and a spent cartridge was recovered at the scene.
The suspects are clearing six robbery cases which occurred at different churches in Harare and another case where they pounced at a company in Highlands before stealing US$180 000 cash, eight cellphones and three laptops on 2nd March 2022.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has intensified operations targeting robbery syndicates around the country.
The Police assures the public that they will account for all robbery suspects and ensure the law takes its course.
</blockquote>

ZRP Arrests Suspects Linked To Church Robberies In Harare

The Tshelanyemba community in Maphisa and the Salvation Army Church are embroiled in a fight for the ownership of Tshelanyemba High School.
The School Development Committee (SDC) claims the school belongs to the community while the Salvation Army Church insists it owns the institution.
The Director of Communications and Advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Taungana Ndoro said the matter is now before the courts. He said:
<blockquote>
The matter has been taken before the courts, so let’s let the law take its course.
</blockquote>
The problems reportedly started after the SDC lodged a High Court application against the Salvation Army Church.
The church had approached the Magistrates Court in Kezi seeking to stop the construction of a girl’s dormitory which is being done by the SDC and the local community.
The Salvation Army Church, as the Responsible Authority of the school, sought to stop the construction of the dormitory because it was being constructed where the church wanted to build a hall for worship.
On the other hand, the SDC and the community have been planning on building the dormitory to provide accommodation for girls who travel long distances to and from school.
The community is now questioning the church’s authority and is now seeking to wrest control from the Salvation Army Church.
The Sunday News reported a source as saying the site for the project had been approved by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Matobo Rural District Council reportedly approved the plan. Said the source:
<blockquote>
The problem between the community and the church started when the church failed to build a boarding secondary school in 1981 after Government had requested missions to build secondary boarding schools while communities were to build day schools which were called upper tops.
When the church failed to build a boarding secondary school, the community took up the Government offer and looked for land outside the premises of the church in a community area and built a day secondary school with Government assisting the community through a building aid grant.
</blockquote>
Another source said the community invited the church to be the Responsible Authority hoping that the church would mobilise resources using its international links to build a boarding school. Said the source:
<blockquote>
The community employed community builders whom they paid from the building fund and collections from parents and members of the community.
The community then invited the church to be the Responsible Authority of the school because the law required that schools be under a Responsible Authority.
The church was chosen because it is an international organisation and the community hoped that the church would mobilise resources using its international links to build a fully-fledged boarding secondary school and also assist the school in other areas of development. This did not happen.
Funds that were destined for the school channelled through the church including school fees which the church collected were never accounted for.
This resulted in the community withholding the fees and opening a bank account where the fees were banked which happened in 1991.
This led to a very bitter fight between the church and the community, but the community refused to have the church in control of the school fees.
It was at this time that the community wanted to change the Responsible Authority of the school but this did not happen.
However, the relations between the church and the community remained strained.
</blockquote>
The parties involved, that is the ministry of education, the SDC, the church and Matobo RDC, said they will only comment on the matter after the finalisation of the court case.
More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/community-vs-church-in-fight-for-school/">The Sunday News</a>

Local Community, Salvation Army Church Fight For School

Ziva Mwari Congregation Church (ZMCC) says it has a heart for the poor and suffering and has since donated some goodies to the Masembura Orphanage Centre in Bindura.
ZMCC was launched a few weeks ago in the Mashonaland Central provincial capital and claims to have more than 100 devoted members in its ranks.
The church’s membership is drawn from people who habitually drink beer and smoke cigarettes but also want to spend an hour every Sunday worshipping.
The congregants meet every Sunday between 9-10 am at a neglected bar in Bindura and during their time of worship, no drinking and smoking are allowed.
Speaking in an interview with H-Metro, Richard Twabi, who is the pioneer, said they have a different approach from mainline denominations. Said Twabi:
<blockquote>
We have a different approach altogether. As ZMCC, we want society to understand that it’s not all about beer and smoking, we are also responsible.
Despite the fact that we drink beer, we are a loving and caring community, which also feels for others.
</blockquote>
ZMCC recently donated clothes, bags of maize, sanitary wear and various foodstuffs to the orphanage.
The church also committed itself to pay school fees for some kids, at the orphanage, from their church offerings. Added Twabi:
<blockquote>
We also pledged to repair a leaking Jojo tank, paint the dining room and also clean up the centre.
</blockquote>
The congregants are also planning to visit those behind bars at Bindura Prison where they will preach the gospel to help them reform.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/beer-drinkers-church-they-worship-for-an-hour-then-spend-the-rest-of-the-time-drinking/">H-Metro</a></h4>

Church Of Drunkards Donates To Orphanage

A Rusape man, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison for having sexual relations with a minor, has started a church while serving his sentence at Harare Central Prison.
Robson Bonde (32), told H-Metro that his imprisonment opened a way for him to repent and transform his life for the better.
Bonde, who was convicted five years ago, said he has since acquired a certificate in Theology and a Class 3 carpentry certificate while in prison. He said:
<blockquote>
I started my own church here called ‘New Word of God Apostolic Church’ and I have quite a number of followers. I hope when I get out I will be able to continue with the ministry.
In this prison I believe I have gained more than I lost, I became a Christian in this place and even studied theology, now I am a pastor.
</blockquote>
Bonde is one of the inmates who have benefitted from the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service education programme. He added:
<blockquote>
When I was in Rusape, my hometown, I was uneducated, so here I studied my Grade One to Seven, and I began my carpentry course.
I passed three subjects – joinery, cabinet making and carpentry – and I got my carpentry Class 3 certificate. I am proud of myself.
I know that when I go back home I have somewhere to start my life, which will be better than before my conviction.
</blockquote>
Bonde was arrested after the parents of the minor girl that he was dating discovered the affair and reported him to the police.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/rapist-starts-church-in-prison/">H-Metro</a></h4>

Convicted Rapist Starts Church In Prison

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government has been accused of undermining the rule of law following the decision by the Cabinet to maintain the ban on all unvaccinated congregants from attending church services.
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Truth, Health, Justice and Freedom (ZLTHJF) said the decision by the Cabinet is an affront to the constitution and sets bad precedence likely to undermine the rule of law.
Last week the High Court said unvaccinated congregants are free to attend in-person church services but on Tuesday Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, announced that the ban still exists despite the High Court order. She said:
<blockquote>
Whilst all other gatherings shall not exceed 100 persons, with regards to churches, cabinet has resolved that only vaccinated congregants can attend and should be limited to 50 per cent of the holding capacity of the church.
</blockquote>
In response to the Cabinet decision, ZLTHJF on Wednesday issued a cautionary statement warning Mnangagwa to stop his contemptuous conduct. ZLTHJF said:
<blockquote>
We take great exception to this unlawful and contemptuous position taken by Cabinet and point out that in our law a litigant who is aggrieved with a decision must take legal steps against that decision and not seek to undermine the court order or threaten unlawful action against the successful litigant.
The position taken by Cabinet in this regard poses a serious threat to justice and the rule of law in Zimbabwe and conveys a wrong message to all those who uphold constitutionality and constitutionalism.
We must state that the position taken by Cabinet is now in clear violation of the court order issued by the High Court on 9 September 2021.
The court order was clear that unvaccinated congregants cannot be barred from attending physical church meetings.
</blockquote>
Addressing the media after a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Mutsvangwa said only vaccinated congregants were allowed to attend church and increased the permissible number at other public gatherings to 100.
The government said churches can now carry 50% of their usual capacity on any given day if their congregants were vaccinated.
Some churches are big enough to accommodate 15 000 congregants and have now been given the green light to have 7 500 vaccinated congregants.
Meanwhile, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Nick Mangagwana on Thursday dismissed claims that the Cabinet was in contempt of court. <a href="https://twitter.com/nickmangwana/status/1438366142431698944">Mangwana tweeted:</a>
<blockquote>
The Interim Order was issued on the basis that after the pronouncement of the 11 of August, Govt did not follow that up by gazetting the Regulations.
However, Govt has since rectified the anomaly by publishing SI228B of 2021, not in defiance of the Court but in Obedience to it.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/mnangagwa-accused-of-contempt-of-court/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

'Ban On Unvaccinated Congregants A Threat To Justice'

The High Court of Zimbabwe has ruled congregants who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 can now attend church services with the police barred from arresting them.
Last month, the Cabinet announced that only fully vaccinated congregants are allowed to attend in-person church services.
However, an interim order passed by the High Court sets aside the Cabinet’s decision.
The ruling follows an application filed by human rights lawyer Obert Kondongwe challenging the decree arguing it had no legal standing. The court said:
<blockquote>
The statement issued by Mutsvangwa on behalf of the Cabinet barring unvaccinated sit-in congregants in churches be suspended pending the return date of this application.
Further, and as attached to the foregoing, the conduct of Kazembe in enforcing the statement by Cabinet and conducting arrests and criminal proceedings against unvaccinated sit-in church congregants be suspended pending the return date of this application.
</blockquote>
<img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-214223 size-full" decoding="async" height="1024" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Unvaccinated-congregants-can-now-attend-church-services.jpeg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Unvaccinated-congregants-can-now-attend-church-services.jpeg 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Unvaccinated-congregants-can-now-attend-church-services-225x300.jpeg 225w" width="768"/>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/unvaccinated-church-goers-free-to-attend-service-high-court/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Unvaccinated Congregants Free To Attend Church Services - High Court

There was a low turnout at the few churches that reopened on Sunday despite the government giving the green light to all churches to resume in-person services, albeit only for fully vaccinated worshippers.
A countrywide survey conducted by NewsDay on Sunday showed that most traditional churches like the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Reformed Church in Zimbabwe, among others, did not conduct services.
Church leaders said their church members stayed at home since most of them had not been fully vaccinated, while others were still making preparations for full compliance with government regulations.
However, Apostolic sects conducted services in the open throughout the country as their members, including children (who are not eligible to receive the vaccine), could be seen gathered at various shrines without exercising social distancing or sanitising their hands.
NewsDay reported that in Bulawayo, most churches were also closed, while a few that opened their doors for congregants had a handful in attendance.
In Harare, at the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries led by Walter Magaya which usually attracts thousands of congregants, there were no worshippers on Sunday.
Founder of the Goodness and Mercy Ministries, Tapiwa Freddy, also based in Harare, said they would resume sit-ins next weekend.
An opposition politician, Mathias Guchutu, who leads the Multi-Racial Christian Democrats, said the “no jab, no church” directive implies that people should fear the coronavirus more than God. Said Guchutu:
<blockquote>
The church has been loyal to the government ever since the pandemic started and has been religiously adhering to the guidelines, but these new measures will be difficult to implement.
Several pastors haven’t yet received their jabs while thousands of congregants are still struggling to get them.
Given the small proportion of the citizens who have been vaccinated, it means in practical terms, churches have not been allowed to reopen.
Obviously, not all that have been vaccinated will be attending the services.
</blockquote>
Church organisations, among them the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference, Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe and the Union for Development of Apostolic and Zionist Churches, have said vaccine shortages meant that imposing the mandatory vaccination rule on churches was insincere.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/08/churches-fail-to-reopen/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Majority Of Churches Fail To Resume In-person Services

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has urged churches not to let unvaccinated worshippers attend in-person services and said they will be out in full force to monitor and arrest violators of the new regulation.
This comes after the government gave churches the green light to resume physical services with only congregants fully vaccinated against COVID-19 allowed to attend under strict adherence to WHO prescribed coronavirus containment measures.
In a statement this Thursday, ZRP national spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said they will continue to enforce the level 4 COVID-19 lockdown which President Mnangagwa extended on Monday and cabinet reiterated on Wednesday. Said Nyathi:
<blockquote>
Churches are implored to strictly comply with the vaccination directive for congregants as stipulated by Cabinet on 11 August 2021.
The police will assist health officials to ensure compliance and arrest anyone defying the safety protocols.
Police will also take action against those who might try to take advantage of the directive and produce fake vaccination certificates.
</blockquote>
Asst Comm Nyathi also warned alcohol peddlers against violating lockdown regulations, saying the police will clamp down on the illegal sale of alcohol. He said:
<blockquote>
Bar, beer hall and nightclub operators are once again reminded and implored to strictly comply with COVID-19 regulations particularly the ban on operations.
Police will ensure no bar, beer hall, night club and shebeen operators disregard the Government’s safety measures.
Raids will continue being conducted on those drinking beer while parked at bars, nightclubs and beerhalls in the country.
</blockquote>
Asst Comm Nyathi also revealed that 24 027 people have been arrested for not wearing face masks since 1 August.
He urged members of the public to report anyone contravening COVID-19 regulations on  Harare Operations number 0242 748836, Bulawayo Operations 0292 885479, National Complaints Desk 0242 703631 or WhatsApp 0712800197.
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Police Urge Churches To Comply With Vaccination Directive

Outspoken parliamentarian Temba Mliswa (Independent) says the decision by Cabinet to allow only people who have been fully vaccinated to attend in-person church services will open the floodgates of corruption.
On Wednesday Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said churches can now allow sit-in congregants who have been fully vaccinated and those who violate the protocol will be arrested.
Mliswa, who represents Norton Constituency in the National Assembly, said the latest move by the government will promote corruption and the proliferation of fake COVID-19 vaccination certificates. Said Mliswa:
<blockquote>
The challenge with this approach is it opens the opportunity for discrimination. We have a situation we need to address where people are receiving the first COVID-19 vaccination, but due to unavailability, can’t access the second.
Blame here can’t be put on the people as many are willing to receive vaccinations but can’t. Once there’s a shortage of vaccinations like this and people are segregated along such lines, it has the propensity to foster corruption and the emergence of fake certificates.
</blockquote>
Mliswa urged the government to be consistent and make extensive consultations to avoid making “rushed” decisions that are “reactionary”. He said:
<blockquote>
Some of the decisions made appear rather rushed, reactionary and lack consistency. Let’s have a clear position on this.
If it’s a lockdown, then let it be a proper lockdown. If you decide to open up, then open up.
I urge the government to invest in COVID-19 test kits and to allow pharmacies to sell WHO and government-approved test kits in the same way HIV was mitigated by the easy availability of HIV test kits.
Early detection of the COVID-19 virus can make the difference between recovery and death.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Mutsvangwa said congregants are expected to adhere to all Ministry of Health and Child Care and WHO protocols and all those found in breach will be arrested, including the leaders of the churches.
<h4>More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Govt Decision On Church Services Will Promote Corruption, Says Mliswa

Cabinet on Wednesday gave the green light to churches to conduct in-person services provided that they meet strict conditions.
Speaking during a post-cabinet media briefing on Wednesday evening, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa said Cabinet resolved that only congregants who are fully vaccinated are allowed to gather.
Congregates will also be required to adhere to Ministry of Health and Child Care and World Health Organisation (WHO) measures meant to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Mutsvangwa warned that those found violating the regulations will be arrested including the church leaders. She said:
<blockquote>
Cabinet wishes to inform the public that churches can now allow sit-in congregants under the following conditions; Only congregants who have received two doses of the vaccine are allowed to attend;All Ministry of Health and Child Care and WHO protocols are adhered to, and All those found in breach will be arrested, including the leaders of the churches
</blockquote>
Cabinet also advised the nation that private companies, hotels and other institutions can access vaccines upon payment of the requisite fees to the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
<h4>More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Govt Lifts Ban On Church Gatherings

Very few Zimbabweans have embraced online worship due to reasons which include the high cost of data, no smartphones and lack of interest.
The government banned gatherings in March last year and again in June this year, to tighten COVID-19 induced lockdown regulations, pushing churches to conduct virtual services.
However, high data tariffs and low disposable income have made it hard for the majority of believers to embrace the new way of worship, with some people even losing their faith.
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/06/25/police-warn-churches-against-ignoring-covid-19-guidelines/">READ MORE: Police Warn Churches Against Ignoring COVID-19 Guidelines</a>
Molvin Dube, a Gwanda resident, told Chronicle he occasionally downloads sermons that were being sent on WhatsApp. Dube said:
<blockquote>At our church, we now mainly use WhatsApp for worshipping. Our pastors send videos and audios of their sermons for us to listen to.
This is really helpful as it’s better than missing out on church completely during the lockdown period.
The challenge I face is with downloading all the sermons because data is too expensive. I occasionally download the sermons but not at all times.
Virtual services are quite different from physical worship as there are a lot of distractions.
When I’m in church I can switch off my phone but for virtual services, it has to remain on and at times calls and messages will be coming in which ends up being a distraction.
That environment of leaving your house and going to church is really ideal for worship.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Lilian Nkomo from Bulawayo told the publication that she has never listened to virtual sermons because data is expensive.
Nkomo said she has also never liked the concept of worshipping virtually and she ignores sermons that are by her pastors on WhatsApp. She said:
<blockquote>Our pastor sends long audios of his sermons and I don’t have the data to download them. So each time he sends them I just ignore them.
Even during the lockdown which we had last year I never even listened to a single sermon. This concept of worshipping virtually is just foreign to me. I don’t think I can get accustomed to it.
Even if I’m given data I think I will really struggle to listen and follow the sermons from start to end. This lockdown is really disturbing my spirituality.
Last year it took me some time to go back to church after they were re-opened. Sitting at home every Sunday and not going to church is slowly becoming usual for me.</blockquote>
A majority of churches have resorted to opening groups for services and using the cheaper WhatsApp platform to conduct their virtual services.
Church leaders record their sermons on their days of worship and share them with congregants on WhatsApp. Others also use Facebook and Zoom.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/few-takers-for-online-church-services/">Chronicle</a></h4>

High Data Charges Hinder Online Church Services

Some churches have cancelled annual events that involve mass gatherings such as Easter week, while others have resolved to hold multiple Sunday Services after the government banned gatherings of over 100 people for the next two months.
In a statement directed to the church’s congregation on Wednesday, Pastor Goodwill Shana of Word of Life Church said only Sunday services and Thursday prayer meetings with 100 people or less will take place.
<blockquote>In the context of Zimbabwe, only Sunday services and Thursday prayer meetings with 100 people or less will take place. Congregations that are larger than 100 people will need to break up into sections of 100 or less, and use multiple services of the same venue or different venues to meet or ensure other forms of ministry are in place.
In this regard, the Faith Convention has been postponed to a future more suitable date. Please maintain contact with the church through the official departmental WhatsApp groups or church social media platforms and the Facebook page.</blockquote>
Harvest House International Church Senior Reverend Sarah Nyathi said there will be no hugging and no handshakes during the church services and the church will make use of sanitisers.
A congregant from <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Celebration_Church" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Celebration Church</a>, Ms Percy Dube said services will be streamed on the church’s social media platforms, with main services having been suspended.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/churches-turn-to-facebook-cancel-easter/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chronicle</a></h4>

Churches Cancel Easter, To Split Sunday Services

WATCH: Woman Being Used To Fake Miracles In Different Churches

A Pentecostal church partially collapsed, killing 13 people in kwaZulu-Natal. Here are some videos in the aftermath of the incident:
https://twitter.com/SiphamandlaGoge/status/1119175975030407168
https://twitter.com/SiphamandlaGoge/status/1119171692868378625
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Churchollapse?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Churchollapse</a> The aftermath of Panacostal Holiness Church in eMpangeni KwaZulu-Natal. A section of a church building wall collapsed killing 13 congregants. More to follow on <a href="https://twitter.com/eNCA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eNCA</a>. <a href="https://t.co/1yUZPeJHWK">pic.twitter.com/1yUZPeJHWK</a>
— Siphamandla Goge (@SiphamandlaGoge) <a href="https://twitter.com/SiphamandlaGoge/status/1119160787556155392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
A KwaZulu-Natal top official, Willies Mchunu,  has called for an investigation into the safety of the church building. He has also said the deaths could have been avoided.
More: <a href="https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/watch-aftermath-of-kzn-church-collapse-that-killed-13-worshippers-20190419">News24</a>

WATCH: Church That Collapsed Killing 13 In South Africa

13 people were killed after a church building collapsed during an Easter service in South Africa. The church is called Pentecostal Church and it’s in an area called Dlangubo of eMpangeni in KwaZulu-Natal
16 other people are reported to have been injured. The church apparently collapsed due to heavy rains.
Pictures of the church after the incident show a partially collapsed church. Some reports suggest that some people were sleeping in the church when it collapsed.
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-91918" decoding="async" height="525" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/South-Africa-Collapsed-Church2-1024x768.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/South-Africa-Collapsed-Church2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/South-Africa-Collapsed-Church2-300x225.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/South-Africa-Collapsed-Church2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/South-Africa-Collapsed-Church2-600x450.jpg 600w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/South-Africa-Collapsed-Church2.jpg 1032w" width="700"/>
 
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-91917" decoding="async" height="525" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/SABC-News-Church-collapse-Arrice-Alive-1024x768.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/SABC-News-Church-collapse-Arrice-Alive-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/SABC-News-Church-collapse-Arrice-Alive-300x225.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/SABC-News-Church-collapse-Arrice-Alive-768x576.jpg 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/SABC-News-Church-collapse-Arrice-Alive-600x450.jpg 600w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/SABC-News-Church-collapse-Arrice-Alive.jpg 1032w" width="700"/>
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More: <a href="http://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/13-killed-in-kwazulu-natal-church-collapse/">SABC</a>

13 Perish As Church Collapses During Passover Service In South Africa

Earlier on today, President Emmerson Mnangagwa released the list of alleged looters who ignored his call to return all externalised funds. Pindula went through the list and was surprised by some of the names on the list. There are a number of government-owned companies, schools hospitals and churches on the list.
Here is the list of churches,
<ul>
<li>The Redeemed House Of God $16,567</li>
<li>Family Of God Church $11,410</li>
<li>United Methodist Dental Clinic $23,117</li>
<li>East Zimbabwe Conference SDA $13,408</li>
<li>Believers Kingdom Light Ministries $16,830</li>
<li>Mathias And Mildred (Pvt) Ltd $35,846</li>
<li>Archdiocese Of Harare $10,693</li>
</ul>
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