The demolitions which took place on Tuesday affected Christ
the King church, Sungano yeVapositori and Vafudzi veBethlehem located along
High Glen road.
The churches have cried foul alleging they were not given
the first right to buy the premises since they were the occupants and notice to
vacate the premises since it was a recreational park.
City of Harare spokesperson, Michael Chideme, yesterday
said Prophet Freddy had successfully applied for the piece of land following
the demolition of his own illegal structures in Glen View.
A priest with Sungano yeVapositori, George Chinyani,
accused City of Harare of siding with the man of cloth.
“We were left exposed and I do not remember receiving any
notice to vacate the place since it was part of the recreational park.
“We once approached the City of Harare with the intention
to apply for this place but we relaxed since they promised to consider us when
the place was due for church stands.
“I want to believe Prophet Freddy used the local authority
to fight us but if it was his intention it is ungodly considering that we all
believe in one God,” said Chinyani.
Vafudzi veBethelhem leader, Madzimai Miriam, real name
Patricia Saraega said the demolition was inhuman. “Ndanga ndichirapira vanhu
payereswa rangu asi ndasiiwa pachena.
“I am yet to believe this and I do not know where to take
my anointed clay pots and cloths to,” she said.
A caretaker at Christ the King church, Bright Tambara, 36, said they had
been operating their church business at the site since 2015.
Chideme said inspection had been carried out by development
control inspectors two weeks ago and it was established that the occupiers had
no valid lease with City of Harare.
“They were subsequently served with a 48-hour notice in
terms of clause 18(2) of the Urban Councils Act: Statutory Instrument 79 of
1979 which compels anyone occupying Council land illegally to vacate within 48
hours or risk enforcement,” said Chideme.
Asked why the council did not consider the current
occupiers, Chideme said “The legal lease holder now is Goodness and Mercy
Ministries fronted by Prophet T Freddy,” said Chideme.
Tambara said congregants are worried of the next step
because they had nowhere to go and meet for worship.
“We don’t know how they chose prophet Freddy over us when
we are all conducting the same business of worship.
“We are also convinced that the outspoken prophet used his
means to gain favour with council before us,” said Tambara
Contacted for comment, Prophet Freddy, said he was lucky to
have his application considered by council.
However, he urged churches who are still operating
illegally to approach authorities and apply for places of worship while it is
day. “Our own illegal structure was demolished last year and that was a
necessary blow for us to put our house in order and acquire a legal site,” said
Prophet Freddy.
He added; “Everything happens together for the good to them
that love God. “Haters thought that was the end of Goodness and Mercy
Ministries and we are back with a bang just watch the space.
“After everything is said and done, we thank God who is the
owner of the Church and not forgetting our church members and followers at
large who supported us. I did a video of a song Ndirikurwadziwa but now I am
happy and believing in God.
“It was a difficult phase but I see light at the end of the
tunnel,” said Prophet Freddy. H Metro
0 comments:
Post a Comment