Director of Jesuit Missions in London, Paul Chitney, visiting the country and the works of the Jesuit Province of Zimbabwe expressed his joys at the numerous works being done by the Jesuits and others, especially for the poor and marginalized.

“I have visited St Paul’s Musami, St Peters’ Kubatana, Silveira House and Chishawasha. We are in the process of strategic planning and we are refocusing our work on the core mission of the Society of Jesus which is the service of faith through the promotion of justice,” he said.

He added: “We are very keen to focus on the poorest communities in Zimbabwe and we are very keen to play a developmental role accompanying the province, working alongside the province here as we have done for many years to help them in the different works they are doing around the country.”

Besides Zimbabwe, the Mission office is partnering many other countries in development work that include Zambia and South Africa. They are working with Jesuits “in South Sudan where there is an outbreak of violence and a huge number of refugees

He had appreciation for the work that the Church is doing in Zimbabwe. “I think the Church is doing fantastic and doing a very important job. I’m aware of the enormous regard which people holds with the Jesuits in Zimbabwe. And I think their work in education for example at St Paul’s Musami working with some of the poorest people who cannot afford to pay food for their children,” he said.

He added: “We were talking on how we could help the poorest children, talking about deaf children and it was made clear to me that the society has made an option for the poor and is working in many places with some of the poorest people in Zimbabwe.”

He was also amazed by the faith witnessed amongst Zimbabweans. “I was at Mass on Sunday with the Chaplain for the University of Zimbabwe, and the faith of those young people was impressive; the attention, the silence, the beautiful singing and the commitment to the work of the Chaplaincy.

“I also attended a Justice and Peace meeting where a number of students were present and I was hugely impressed with the quality of young people present, their thinking and their minds and a country that has young people with that level of intelligence, commitment and deep faith…”

Christian Youths from over 15 churches in the high density suburb of Kuwadzana have formed an association meant to foster unity, peace and development in the area.

The Kuwadzana Youth Fraternal (KYF) association is made up of youths from various churches which include Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe, The Salvation Army, the Anglican Church, The United Methodist Church, and Reformed Church in Zimbabwe among others.

Speaking at the launch of the association held at United Presbyterian Church in Kuwadzana last Sunday, Reverend Shepherd Gwende of the Anglican Church, expressed optimism the association would go a long way in fostering peace and development in the community.

“We are meeting here in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ as one family and therefore we should remain as one, promoting peace and development for the betterment of this community and our country at large,” Gwende said.

“We may come from different churches but we are one since we all believe in same God. We are not different we all want to see a better Kuwadzana and to arrive to the Promised Land.”

Gwende urged youths to work hard to improve their livelihoods.

“Everything comes with hard work, therefore I urge you to spend much of your time working to improve your lives and our country. Desist from all social ills that destroy your bright future,” he said.

Speaking at the same occasion, KYF chairperson Norest Ajapa from The United Presbyterian Church commended youths for coming up together to improve the suburb.

“Today is a big day for us. We have started a journey which we should continue together until we reach to the Promised Land. As youths we have one vision; we all want   a better future hence let’s continue in peace and unity,” Ajapa said.

“As part of our programs as KYF, we want to introduce local leagues for soccer, netball, basketball and others we can agree on. In addition to that we will also have local music festivals where we all take part because our other vision is to nature talents with us.”

Sr Getrude Sundudza SJ, who died at Don Bosco in Masvingo last week and was buried on Wednesday at Driefontein in Gweru, succumbed to suffocation, the police have revealed.

The death of Sr Sunduza had left people with many questions since she was seen all jovial the night before her death, only for fellow nuns to discover her body in a partially burnt house the following day.

In written response to questions, the police in Masvingo said “A 45-YEAR-OLD Roman Catholic nun in Masvingo, Sr Gertrude Sunduza, allegedly suffocated when she fell asleep while warming herself on a heater in her bedroom.”

Acting Masvingo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nkululeko Nduna also said: “I can confirm receiving a report to the effect that a nun with the Roman Catholic Church and working at Shingairai Study Centre was found dead on Saturday morning with burns on her arms and face. Investigations are in progress to figure out the cause of the fire.”

According to a resident of Shingairai Study Centre where Sr Sunduza lived, Sr She fell asleep while warming herself on a heater.

A maid at the training centre said the nun’s lifeless body was only discovered in the morning beside her badly burnt bed. “Sister Sunduza’s body was found beside her bed by Sister in Charge, Judith Chakabveyo. The body was found with burns on the face and arms. The mattress was extremely burnt,” she said.

Sr Sunduza was particularly known for working with young people, especially the Young Christian Students of Zimbabwe (YCS).

National Coordinator for YSC, Mr Benson Makusha, said Sr Sunduza was instrumental in their work, starting way back in the early 90’s at Serima. “She was an educationist, and wherever she went, she would make sure they are YCS structures there.”

We – owners, tenants and business people – who are actually residing on a property in a residential area, need to bear in mind the importance of tidiness and the ultimate purpose of the verges and roads outside our properties.

We, also, need to understand that these verges are part of the road-foundation, particularly that section of the verge that is on the side where the tar/road actually is. This part of the verge is for road-users, such as even pedestrians, to use freely.

Pedestrians, for instance, have the right to walk freely and safely off the tar and away from the dangers of traffic. Also to be considered are people pushing carts or riding bicycles, motor-cyclists and vehicle drivers. They all have the right to get off the road quickly in an emergency, to avoid an accident or to pull over safely, in the event of a break-down.

So, as Christians, what is our attitude to the verges outside our properties? It is good, if they are neat and nicely maintained. However, while we are maintaining them, shouldn’t we be aware of municipal rulings and, indeed, shouldn’t we do the best we can to provide full safety for all road-users all the time?

The Municipality encourages residents to look after their verges, but stresses that, at least, the first 5 metres from the edge of the tar should be kept free of any obstacles that might endanger any road-user.

The area beyond that 5/6 metres, from the original drainage ditch to the property wall/fence, may have rocks or stakes, flower beds, shrubs or trees etc, but the 5 metres closest to the tar/road should be level and, preferably, with cut grass or lawn.

What would Christ’s attitude be, if he was living in a property here today, regarding ‘barriers’ that are so often placed at the edge of the tar/road? Christ’s first two commandments to us are: firstly, to love God fully and completely, and, secondly, to love our neighbour as ourselves.

This is Not to satisfy ourselves first and, after that, to turn to our neighbour with the care and respect that may be left. Rather, it is our duty to care and respect our neighbour first and only after that should we think of ourselves. Our neighbour is not just the person living next door or our friends. He or she is any other person, anywhere, such as on the roads!

Zimbabwe gospel lovers will be in for a treat this Saturday as the Carnival Gospel Concert rolls into life.

The Carnival Gospel concert is part of the second edition of the Harare International carnival which will be held under the theme “Celebrating our diversity.”

Event coordinator Benjamin Rupapa has confirmed that Mpumalanga gospel Expo a South African choral group will be performing at the Carnival.

Local Artists billed to perform at the Carnival include Pastor Charles Charamba and wife Olivia, Matthias Mhere and Sebastian Magacha and Thembalami.

Other artists include Mudiwa Mutandwa, Pastor G, CCAP Voice of Mbare and many others

The carnival will be held at the HICC.

Gospel Music lovers said they cannot wait for for the Carnival and said they are looking forward to be blessed with gospel music.

Anglican Bishopof Harare Chad Gandiya, his wife Faith (left) and Victoria Chitepo (centre). (Photo: New Zimbabwe)

Disparaging comments have been made against the Anglican Church over calculated moves by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, Justin Selby and John Sentamu respectively, that seek to contraband an anti-biblical act by recommending same sex unions in the Church.

The two, Selby and Sentamu, have been at the fore calling for governments, especially those in Africa, to allow for same sex marriages, something that is against the Holy Bible and the African culture. This advocacy by the Church of England (CoE) has drawn fury from traditional churches that follow the teachings of the Holy Bible.

The Bible commends for a heterosexual union, one that has reproduction. The story of Lot against Sodomites who wanted to “victimize” the Angels of God is an impeccable example of the wrath that people would be inviting when they fight God’s way.

In an interview, Bishop Chad Gandiya, head of the church’s Harare Province set the record straight by highlighting that his church does not recommend same sex unions.

“We detest and condemn homosexuality. Our church does not take orders from the Archbishops of Canterbury or York because we are independent provinces. We are guided by provinces, and each province has autonomy. Our province has a composition of Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Botswana, we do not approve of same sex unions,” said the Bishop.

As a minister, bishop Gandiya said he was called by God to minister even to gays hence there is no need to discriminate but urged people to follow the teachings of the Holy Bible.

The bishop, who has been at the helm of the province of Harare for five years, gave an example that some provinces have approved “ordaining women bishops, but we cannot say anything to them because we have our constitution that we follow.”

Congregants from different denominations have been caught in the farrago of uncertainty after fears that pro-same sex union calls by Selby and Sentamu will affect the whole Anglican Church.

Added the bishop: “The calls by the two does not affect us. While we are episcopally led, we are synodically governed. There is no way one bishop will decide for other provinces. What we believe in is supported by our constitution and canons. When people say we support gayism, that is all lies.”

For the sin that was committed, men from Sodom were smote with blindness. This was designed to put an end to their attempt, and disable them from pursuing it.

Scientists have tried to ascertain the origins homosexuality and they have dismissed the view that the act is genetic. “There is no genetic evidence,” they said.

See related reading:

Jubilation as Anglicans return to Mizeki 

Chitungwiza Crusade-Life House International Church

Venue:Life House International Church Manyame Park Church stand St Marys

Preacher: T. D. Chiweshe

Date: 21-31 May 2014

Time: 6pm-8:30pm

Contact details: 0772 748 177/0772 766891/0774 859 902

Come fellowship with us

Jostling for top posts in Zanu PF is getting dirtier by the day.

A senior party official revealed on Friday that members were denouncing each other while others were seeking the services of prophets and traditional healers to enhance their election chances ahead of the party’s December congress.

Speaking at the provincial inter-district conference at Masvingo Polytechnic College in Masvingo, Zanu PF women’s league boss, Oppah Muchinguri urged party members to stop de-campaigning others as that would destabilise the revolutionary party.

She said the exact dates and agenda of the congress had not been set yet.

“We will hold an elective congress this year. I hear some have already held their elections. Who told you to do so? Others are firing each other [from positions]. Campaign yacho yatoshata [It’s dirty campaigning],” she said.

She added: “Some are already seeking the services of prophets and traditional healers. You should not do that.”

Vice-President Joice Mujuru, who is said to be leading a faction fighting against Justice minister Emmerson Mnangagwa’s camp in their alleged bid to succeed President Robert Mugabe, was the guest of honour at the function.

Both Mujuru and Mnangagwa have denied leading factions. There have been reports that the two had been propping up their loyalists in the country’s 10 provinces ahead of the congress.

Muchinguri said it was too early to speculate and start jostling for party posts. “We will give you dates for the congress so that we move our party ahead,” she said.

There are indications that the congress will be dead rubber, simply endorsing the re-election of incumbents Mugabe and Mujuru and leaving ambitious aspirants in the cold.

Party insiders said Mugabe, who at 90 is Africa’s oldest president, would be re-elected unopposed as none of the front-runners to succeed him have the guts to throw their hats in the ring while he is still alive.

Mugabe has been leading the country since independence in 1980.

The Carnival Gospel Concert

Venue: Harare International Conference (HICC)

Date: 17 May

Artistes: Charles and Olivia Charamba, Pastor G and Vabati VaJehova among others.

Start time: 1 pm till 8 pm

Without Jesus Christ, there would be no Christian religion, regardless of the category of faith. In a way of introduction, the bible reveals that Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of our faith.

True Christianity is the common faith delivered unto the saints of old. The profundity of this subject is so great.

King David, the Great Psalmist of Israel, wrote in Psalm 133, “How good and pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity”. This is where I have a problem with so-called 21^st century Christians.

By faith Spoken Word ‘End-Time’ Message believers understand from the scriptures that Prophet William Marrion Branham was the Elijah Ministry prophesied in Malachi 4 vs 5 & 6.

They claim he was that 7^th Church Age Messenger, Revelation 10 v 7, appointed to finish the mystery of God as was declared by God’s servants the prophets. Christians of all categories of faith should stand in one accord in good times and in battle because the common enemy of Christianity is none other than the devil. We should take sides with Jesus Christ, regardless.

Needless to mention, the trial of Brother Gumbura received national publicity bringing the Spoken Word ‘End-Time’ Message and the Polygamy doctrine to the attention of Zimbabwe. This servant of God has maintained that the trial was the result of a conspiracy involving atheists, feminists, newsmen, politicians and Churches of Christ, whose ministers and backsliders were among his main accusers. Nevertheless, we realize persecution is getting underway against Christians. Evil men inspired by Satan will stop at nothing in seeking revenge because Brother Robert Martin Gumbura will finally be granted freedom from jail.

Those opposing Brother Gumbura in political and religious circles claim that such like ministers in Christianity are forces of ignorance, religious superstition and moral rebellion.

The Voice of Healing of June 1956 by Rev. Gordon Lindsay carried a story on the ‘Aftermath of Jack Coe Trial’ where Joseph Lewis, President of Freethinkers of America waged a serious attack and mobilized funds to cause God’s servant, Evangelist Jack Coe to be jailed. Evangelist Jack Coe, who was a convert of Rev. Branham, died in 1956 the same year Brother Gumbura was born.

In a 1955 revival service in Miami, Florida it’s reported that Evangelist Jack Coe told parents of a three year old boy who was suffering from polio, that he had healed their son from polio.  He then instructed the parents to remove the boy’s leg braces and crutches. He further ordered the boy to walk before the audience on the platform. However, it later turned that the son was not cured of polio and removing the braces left the boy in constant pain. As a result, Jack Coe was arrested and charged on February 6, 1956 with practicing medicine without a license, a felony in the state of Florida. He was jailed and released on $5,000 bail.

After a two-day trial the judge ruled that he could not “condemn the defendant (Jack Coe) or anyone who in good faith advocates the bible written word and practices his faith in Divine Healing” and dismissed the case.

When Brother Gumbura was hewed before our courts, one would expect Churches and ministers of the gospel to defend their own. When every churchman that mentions the Name of Jesus Christ should’ve stood by his side gallantly, every man that calls on the Name of the Lord Jesus should’ve fell to their knees in prayer; but instead of that, across the headlines of the papers, one of the religious organizations and a great denomination Clergy, said they joined hands with the atheists to condemn and prison Brother Robert Martin Gumbura.

Could you imagine a church calling on the Name of Christ, would join hands with an atheist to condemn a godly man, who was trying with all of his heart to stand for the Bible? But they did it! They allowed the inspiration of the devil to use them in the name of ‘Doing God a Service’ but ‘knoweth-it-not’ that it was not the will of God! Truly, this is another Jack Coe case before the Courts.

The devil is no friend of true Christianity. No! No! No! I insist. The human mind under satanic machinations using the political, religious and women-influences is able to concoct negatively and to produce in the way of destructive power against believers.

There are men claiming to be men of God and leaders of denominations and religious organizations who are the leading spirit behind the prosecution of Brother Gumbura and are also on the warpath against Churches and servants of God advocating healing deliverance and prophetic exploits.

Let me forewarn every Christian that the on-going prophetic faith movements are a sign from God that the ‘Third-Pull’ glory prophesied by Rev. Branham is about to set into motion. These are the days for the manifestation of the sons and daughters of God and all creation has been waiting groaning. These are the birth-pains of the birth of a Bride ministry which liken Jesus Christ ministry. It is about time saints for the bride to become one.

Leaders grant me your attention. You are highly favored Zimbabwe. Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear and prophesy!

Residents in Mufakose have hailed the drilling of 18 boreholes in the area saying they will lessen their plight of perennial water shortages.

Water problems have become a consistent feature and continue to haunt most areas in the central business district and most residential suburbs having to endure frequent-long lasting water cuts.

The 18 boreholes which were drilled by the Church of Jesus for Latter Day Saints will serve the community. Apart from the boreholes the church also donated a grinding mill and renovated a basketball court.

Acting Harare Mayor, speaking at the official handover of the donation, worth US$154 000 last Friday, Harare acting mayor, Charles Nyatsuro, said the donation would go a long way in assisting the community get clean.

“I am sure residents from other suburbs will also benefit from these projects. Water is a very critical resource. Water is dignity without it residents are prone to various water borne diseases among them, cholera and typhoid,” he said.

Nyatsuro said the kind gesture by the church would help mitigate current water shortages, experienced by residents in Mufakose and other surrounding areas.

“This is the reason why we are happy as a city to have partnerships that help us to provide basic services to the community,” he said.

Latter Day Saints church representative, Lani Stevens, said the donation would help ease the water crisis being experienced by the community.

“Money generated from the grinding mill would go a long way in assisting poor children who are not able to pay for their school fees,” Stevens said.

Lani added the donation was given with no “strings attached” thereby assisting the community in alleviating their problems.

The Council of African Apostles (CAA), an assembly of eminent Christian church leaders from sub-Saharan Africa, chaired by Zimbabwe’s prominent church leader, Bishop Tudor Bismark of New Life Covenant Church, yesterday released a statement strongly condemning the recent abduction of more than 230 school girls by the Islamist militant group Boko Haram in the village of Chibok, Borno State, in northeast Nigeria.

Below is the full text of the CAA’s statement:

The recent abduction of more than 230 school girls in Northern Nigeria by Boko Haram are deplorable acts of terrorism that are affecting innocent lives who have no role whatsoever in the conflict or grievances that militant group has against the Federal government of Nigeria. This and the other related callous acts of terror that have been undertaken by Boko Haram in the recent past should be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

The reports that they are being sold off into marriage for US$12 and that others have died of snake bites only serve to make the call for their return urgent – they should not have been touched by this conflict in the first place.

We, the Council of African Apostles, join others in saying enough to acts of terror; bring our children back alive and not in body bags.

None of these girls have any role in whatever conflict that Boko Haram has against the Federal Government of Nigeria. As a body of believers, we uphold and recommit to the principle of diversity, but that diversity cannot lead to divergence that overtakes the sanctity of human life.

Today we join hands with community leaders in northern Nigeria and other concerned parties and strongly call for the return of these girls to their homes.

We call upon the Federal Government of Nigeria to exercise real leadership over this matter and use every disposable means it has to ensure that these girls are reunited with their families within the shortest possible time.

Beyond the safe return of the girls we are also calling for the government to engage Boko Haram and find a peaceful solution to immediately end this violence that has claimed many innocent lives that otherwise have no stake in whatever issues that are currently under contestation.

At this moment, we are also calling for leaders from different faith groups to have a dialogue and especially for leadership from the Muslim faith to strongly disassociate themselves from these cowardly acts of terror being carried (out) in the name of their religion.

We also call upon the global community, including Ecowas, Africa Union Commission, the United Nations, the G8 countries to step in and provide necessary support to the Federal Government of Nigeria to effectively deal with these acts of terror.

The unnecessary loss of lives (Christian or Muslim) is not only barbaric and deplorable; it cannot be tolerated in the twenty-first century and must surely end. We think such methods of harming innocent lives are cowardly, only serve to worsen tension and conflict and belong to the dustbins of history with no role whatsoever in resolving grievances.

As a body Apostles from all over Africa, we are motivated by God’s call to peace, personal integrity, righteous governance, accountability, and goodness.

We believe in a God who guarantees dignity for all people. These recent attacks have placed a dark cloud over the peaceful co-existence of Christians and Muslims, deeply wounding the conscience of those who uphold human life and also leading to a deterioration of public trust and tolerance of different opinions.

It is our expectation that the perpetrators of these crimes will face the full extent of governing laws and that there be swift justice for the affected and in this case an immediate return of the 230 girls to their homes unharmed. We urge the United Nations, the African Union, national governments and other relevant institutions to demonstrate visible leadership in ensuring that justice is served by bringing perpetrators to book and also taking necessary precautions to restore law and order in the affected regions.

We extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to the affected families and stand in solidarity with them, assuring them of our continued prayers that our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ would be their Comfort in this time of questioning, grief and loss. We prayerfully stand with you for the return of your children and also the return of peace to your community.

May the God of Heaven continue to look kindly upon Nigeria and Africa and give grace to us all.

Other members of the Council of African Apostles include Dr. Mensa Otabil (Ghana), Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams (Ghana), Bishop Enock Sitima (Botswana), Bishop Mike Okonkwo (Nigeria), Bishop Joe Imakando (Zambia) amongst others.

The CAA’s vision is “to be the voice and the centre of spiritual resources of Africans to address the dynamics of human need in Africa and for Africans.”

Zimpraise Gospel Choir has started a music academy that will groom talented youngsters before they are promoted to the main choir.

The new initiative, which targets children within the five to 16 age bracket, is meant to boost the reservoir of talent available to Zimbabwe’s leading gospel choir.

The choir’s publicist, Farirai Macheka told the Daily News that the first rehearsal would be held soon.

“We held auditions on April 17 and 18 this year and we were overwhelmed by the children’s turnout since we had communicated the programme through social network sites,” she said.

“We received 160 children and selected 100 after the screening process. We hope to do the first rehearsals this weekend.”

Macheka said the academy was is fulfilment of a long-held ambition.

“This is something that we have always wanted to do because in the long run the same children we are grooming will be able to join the Zimpraise main choir.

The academy, responsible for grooming the children, was formed at the beginning of the year and we are excited that we will now be able to identify and nurture talent from this year onwards,” said the Zimpraise publicist.

The popular choir was formed in 2006 as a result of a strong desire to unite various denominations in Zimbabwe through song and worship.

Famous music producer Macdonald ‘Macdee’ Chidavaenzi is widely regarded as the one who set the stage for the formation of what has become arguably the best interdenominational choir in Zimbabwe.

The first project featured a number of now prominent gospel musicians including Pastor G, Gordon Taurai Nzira, Bethan Pasinawako-Ngolomi, Tawanda Pashapa and many others.

Ever since the interdenominational group recorded its first album titled Zimpraise Volume 1 in December 2007, the interdenominational group has recorded six live DVD recordings.

Their last recording released a few months ago contains 35 songs.  The highly-successful album, which contains the song Sungano, featured gospel musician Mathias Mhere.

See related reading:

Zimpraise performs a thriller in Bulawayo 

Gospel powerhouse ZimPraise wow UK fans 

Zimbabwe Council of Churches Secretary General Rev Solomon Zwana (Photo by Moses Chibaya)

MDC-T faction leader Tendai Biti and his renewal team’s chances of drawing support from a dream alliance with the country’s civic society now look remote after some of the groups refused Thursday to be lured into the opposition’s internal wars.

In an exclusive interview with NewZimbabwe.com, the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC); the National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) and the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition leaders said they would not rally their membership behind partisan politics.

Addressing a media briefing Wednesday, Samuel Sipepa Nkomo, who is Interim chairman of the renewal team said moves towards a “grand coalition” to unseat President Robert Mugabe and his Zanu PF party were taking shape.

The Lobengula MP said they were engaging churches, political parties, civic society and other “democrats” to reinforce the initiative.

Nkomo said the ambitious plan would come at the exclusion of MDC-T leader-turned-nemesis Morgan Tsvangirai who has allegedly turned undemocratic.

But a follow up with the country’s mainstream civil society groups by NewZimbabwe.com has revealed that the renewal team needs to work even harder to convince this apparently disinterested lot.

Solomon Zwana, secretary general of the 26-member ZCC said his organisation was not partisan and its leaders would not rally any support behind the ambitious political initiative.

Zwana said they have not yet been approached by the Biti group but said their response would depend on what the group wants from them.

“If they are just introducing themselves to us then that will elicit a different reaction but if they are approaching us to seek support, then it is difficult for us as churches to then come up in support of a particular political party,” he said.

Zwana accused “certain political individuals” of harboring “selfish interests”.

“Most of these power struggles are by individuals who then go to the people to seek legitimacy after their boardroom squabbles,” he said without elaborating.

“The tragedy is that there has been a tendency to take the people for granted.”

Nango director, Cephas Zinhumwe said although they would not fault Biti and his group for seeking support from civic society, the over 1,200 member umbrella group would not take sides.

Some members of the unidentified apostolic sect members put their life in danger as they risk getting communicable diseases like cholera, as they got into the clearly dirty water flowing in the Mukuvisi River to be baptised. (photo: S Mlambo).

A self-styled prophet landed himself in the dock after he reportedly bashed a female client who had visited his shrine seeking his services.

Madzibaba Edmore Nyambo, of No. 5776 Zimre Park, appeared at the Harare magistrates’ court answering to charges of assault and indicating a witch or wizard as stated in Section 99 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23.

He had allegedly fingered Juliet Chikoka as a witch who was responsible for the illness of her daughter-in-law.

He denied the charges saying he never laid his hands on the 56-year-old but they were demons who were fighting on their own.

Madzibaba Nyambo also told the court that he never called her a witch but they were demons which were fighting.

Magistrate Blessing Murwisi remanded him out of custody on US$200 bail.

Prosecutor Patience Chimusaru said on April 20 Juliet accompanied her relatives including her daughter-in –law who was not feeling well and sought the services of Madzibaba Nyambo.

Upon arrival at the shrine, they asked to pay entrance fees before Madzibaba alledgelly started accusing Juliet of causing the illness of her daughter-in-law.

The court heard that the incident ended with Madzibaba Nyambo assaulting Juliet.

The 56-year-old went to lodge a complaint with the police leading to the Madzibaba Nyambo’s arrest before being taken to court where he is facing two charges.

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare minister Nicholas Goche Thursday told Senate that government was considering coming up with a policy framework to regulate churches.

He said Cabinet was still at consultation stage on the issue given the cases of sexual and financial abuse by certain church leaders.

Goche was responding to a question by Matabeleland South Senator Watchy Sibanda (MDC-T) who wanted to know government’s policy framework in terms of the registration of sprouting churches some of which are allegedly abusing women.

“There are no specific laws that deal with regulation of churches as they are registered as private holder organisations,” Goche said.

“However, because of the problems that have arisen at various churches government is now thinking of a policy framework and this issue was briefly discussed in Cabinet and at that particular time it was not known which particular ministry should be responsible for regulation of churches.”

Goche continued: “It is now a matter within government consultations that are on-going and when a final decision has been reached, government will make a final policy pronouncement on churches.”

RMG Independent End Time Message Church leader Robert Martin Gumbura was recently jailed for 40 years for raping female congregants from his church.

In another un-related matter, Home Affairs deputy minister Ziyambi Ziyambi also told Senate that the 2 000 police officers that were recently transferred from their work stations were moved due to valid reasons like shortages of skilled manpower at some particular stations.

Ziyambi was responding to a question by Matabeleland South Senator Sithembile Mlotshwa, who wanted to know if the transfers were not going to promote corrupt activities at the new work stations since the transferred police were bad apples.

“Our police do not have permanent work stations during the duration of their service in the force,” Ziyambi said.

“Transfers are done according to needs and if we have a critical shortage of skills in one area we can move them around and we do not allow one person to be at one station for a long time.

“The transfers were not for corruption.”

Transport and Infrastructural Development deputy minister Petronella Kagonye also told Senate that her ministry would effect investigations into the issuance of driver’s licences due to reports of corruption.

This was after Harare Metropolitan Senator Cleveria Chizema claimed people who did not even know how to reverse vehicles were issued with licences at Chitungwiza VID depot without undergoing road tests.

A High Court judge has dismissed a fresh freedom bid by jailed pastor, Martin Gumbura, imprisoned for raping church women.

In his ruling which was read out by Justice Garainesu Mawadze, Justice Joseph Musakwa said the “disgraceful” cleric “justified his sexual appetite to force himself on hapless congregates”.

The fresh bid for bail was made by Gumbura’s lawyers Advocate Thembinkosi Magwaliba pending the appeal of both the conviction and sentence.

“Where a person seeks bail pending appeal there is no longer a presumption of innocence as they would have been found guilty,” Musakwa ruled much to the dejection of Gumbura’s wives who attended the hearing.

Gumbura, head of RGM End Time Messages Church, is serving a 40 year jail term after being convicted for five counts of rape and contravening the Censorship and Entertainment Controls Act.

“One can also detect a pattern of predatory behaviour on the part of the applicant. The complainants appear to have been lured and lulled to accept that applicant’s benignity,” the court ruled.

His lawyers are challenging the sentence saying the charges were fabricated by adversaries, naming one pastor Godwin Chitsinde.

But the court dismissed his assertion stating that “the trial court did believe the complainants and indeed one cannot think they made such sordid accounts just to lend support to religious wars waged by Pastor Chitsinde”.

The judge said pastors and priests were the people least expected to commit such crimes.

Gumbura was accused of abusing girls from his church threatening them with “God’s curse” if they reported the abuse to anyone.

The court said “the complainants appear to have been in some kind of bondage. They did not appear to have been free to travel as they liked.

“It is either they would be escorted by a driver or by Queen Bunga (Gumbura’s second wife. Although the escape from Marlborough premises was possible, it was not easy as observed by the trial court.”

Musakwa said threats made by Gumbura to place his victims into the hand of Satan were real as biblical verses were interpreted to them. 

“The complainants could have genuinely believed the effect of the curses.”

Gumbura jailed for effective 40 years

Gumbura appeals ‘shocking’ sentence

The Catholic University of Zimbabwe has grown in leaps and bounds in the last year since it adopted its 10 year vision that will be underpinned by growth in student numbers as well as an increase in study programs.

In a media statement, the university expressed gratitude to parishioners who are making monthly contributions of a $1 per family towards the growth of the university, and that support has seen the university grow its students’ population by more than 350%. The college has also opened new campuses outside Harare.

 The statement reads:  “The University has managed to increase its student numbers from two hundred and eighty (280) to one thousand (1,000) over the past year. We will have another intake this August which will ensure more growth, taking us beyond the 1000 student mark.

“The University has also opened 3 new campuses on premises of our church in Bulawayo, Chinhoyi and Mutare. In August and December this year, we plan to open a further 3 new campuses of the Catholic University in the Dioceses of Gokwe, Gweru and Masvingo.

The university further appealed “to parishioners who have not yet started to donate one dollar per parishioner per month to the University to begin doing so, and to those who started last year and this year to continue doing so at the end of every month through structures put in place by your parish council.”

The university is also grateful for scholarships from individuals and corporates that are meant to help and honour students who distinguish themselves academically. So far, they have received two scholarships for their students. “The first is the Cephas Msipa Scholarship to be awarded to a bright and needy student from the Midlands Province studying at the Catholic University. The second is the Emmanuel Ngara Prize for Christian Leadership and Academic Excellence which is to be awarded to a student who excels in Christian leadership and academic performance at the Catholic University.

“We appeal to parishioners and others of goodwill to sponsor students of the Catholic University through a scholarship or a prize of your choice. The area of your choice could be a university program, such as Theology, Business Management, Information Technology or any of the Humanities such as English, Shona, Ndebele, History, Geography, Religious Studies, Ethics or Communication Studies. You might also wish to provide scholarship or prize sponsorship to celebrate an event in your life or your family, or to remember a loved one,” reads part of the statement.

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The Registrar-General’s Office has weeded out 1 000 bogus marriage officers following the introduction of stringent requirements in 2012 to curb sham marriages, a parliamentary committee heard on Tuesday.

Registrar-General Tobaiwa Mudede told the Portfolio Committee on Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development that the new, highly securitised marriage certificate had resulted in a reduction of marriages of convenience.

“We had over 2 000 marriage officers in the country. A large number of up to half that were pseudo marriage officers who had not been registered but were practising. We decided to stop them and we won.”

In 2012, the RG’s Office also said marriage officers could only collect the new certificates after producing practising certificate and a letter of confirmation from their head of denomination. The requirements, he said, saw shady marriage officers disappearing from the radar.

“We are now left with up to 1000 pastors and other practising officers,” Mr Mudede said.  “As you have noticed people are coming up with their churches and we have had meetings where we had to ban established churches, about three of them and they are still bothering us that they want to continue practicing. I even told their bishops that these people were sinning against God and people in the country because of their love for money hence forgetting the roles of marriage officers.”

The new document has a watermark, and passport size photos of the bride and groom and their thumb prints. Full names and national identity numbers of witnesses, as well as the marriage officer’s date stamp, are also part of the document.

Friday the 2^nd of May 2014, hundreds of youth from Moyo Musande Sacred Heart of Jesus converged at Makumbi Visitation mission to celebrate their feast days guided with the theme ‘Tinofambanokutenda’ (We walk by faith).

Addressing the contingent at Makumbi on Carrier guidance, the students really inspired many in the hall as they stared at them with amazed faces and some screaming and cheering to them.

It was team of eight students all from University of Zimbabwe doing different degree programmes with flying colours both at O” and A” levels and amongst them with 24 points doing engineering.

The idea of the presentation was not to show off to some peers but was to motivate and inspire them and make them believe in one self that nothing is impossible. “Good choice of goals will determine who you are therefore nothing special but believe in yourself because God has a purpose in your life” said Mercy Mabhundu who is one of the beneficiaries of Joshua Nkomo Scholarship.

With her simple stature, she pin pointed that people lack self-composure and esteem thereby making some misinformed choices at school.

“Self-esteem is needed so that you make informed choices even on friends and subjects to do, choose the best subjects that you are good at not because my friend is doing them. My message to you is identify the purpose of your life and say In God Yes I Can and see what will happen next” she concluded.

Taking turns on the podium came Mr Maposhere, who is the manager of the Joshua Nkomo Scholarship Trust. He highlighted that success is not just a thing to read or hear about but it has to be an instinct that you should have always. “Work hard at school so that you don’t work hard at work” he said.

“In God Yes I Can” became the saying of the day as the Youth spend the rest of the day doing sports engaging more with the Joshua Nkomo Scholarship team.

The Joshua Nkomo Scholarship is a board that gives University Scholarships to under privileged students yet have excelled brilliantly for them to pursue with their education.

The Joshua Nkomo team carried a simple exercise with two volunteers a boy and girl to do drinking competitions and automatically out of this funny activity, the two Lesley Kurai Chataika 22 years old from St Agnes Chitungwiza and Lorraine Matsveru 19 years old from Assumption of Lady, Rhodesville won themselves Joshua Nkomo Scholarship unexpectedly.

Speaking to Lessely who is doing Upper sixth doing Commercials at Ridgeville High School in Chitungwiza, he was really happy with the scholarship he received.

“As for now I am still in shock but very happy and I cannot explain it but I can say I am blessed” he said. “I didn’t want to come for the feasts yet my mother forced me to come and even to be a volunteer too, I was pushed to be one not knowing that all this was a blessing in disguise. I thank God for this” he added.

Lorraine Matsveru who has some O” levels could not hold her tears back as she burst in to tears with joy. “Izvi zvaitwa naMwari because I never dreamt of this and I am not believing this, why me from all these youth present here but with His unconditional love and blessings, I have received “she said

“Thank you Lord for this gift and to the Joshua Nkomo team for bringing in this initiative” she added