Tensions flared in Insiza South Ward 7, Mbaulo village, after members of the Johane Masowe Apostolic Church were allegedly banned from practising open-air worship.
The congregants had been worshiping in the open air with permission from the late village head, Khothi Zuze Ncube, who had granted them a letter of approval.
However, following his death, Lazarus Ncube revoked the permission, citing a desire to “fix” the congregants, who were forced to relocate their services to homes.
Nosizi Lusinga, a member of the congregation, claimed Lazarus Ncube has targeted their sect, allowing other churches to worship in their homesteads without issue.
“Ncube stated that he wants to fix us, we do not know what we did wrong,” Lusinga said.
“We want to be given back our place and continue worshiping,” she added.
Lusinga claimed Lazarus Ncube has singled out the Johane Masowe sect. “Other churches are worshiping in their homesteads but we are being targeted,” she said.
The congregants had begun building a toilet on the disputed stand, but were ordered to fill in the pit.
“We bought cement and we had started building toilets and we were stopped and instructed to fill in the pits,” Lusinga said.
Ncube denied the allegations, claiming the letter granting permission was fake. “I will not allow that to happen, there are stands in the business center where they can worship, but they do not want, this is a failure,” he said.
The matter is set to be addressed by Chief Maduna tomorrow (Wednesday).
Support CITE’s fearless, independent journalism. Your donation helps us amplify community voices, fight misinformation, and hold power to account. Help keep the truth alive. Donate today