Net closing in on ‘bogus’ prophets
The Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ) will soon carry out a countrywide tour aimed at curbing the scourge of bogus prophets that have become a menace in urban and rural areas.
ACCZ president Archbishop Johannes Ndanga said the exercise will be carried out with the assistance of the Ministry of Rural Development, Promotion and Preservation of National Culture and Heritage and the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ordination of Bishop Douglas Mandaza and Bishop Veronica Kwati as Bishops of Power of God Apostolic Church and Johane Masowe Echishanu Jerusarema respectively last week in Mhondoro, Archbishop Ndanga said ACCZ will repeat what it did with Madzibaba Ishmael Mufani Chokurongerwa in May 2014.
Archbishop Ndanga said while the national constitution allows people to worship freely some people are abusing that privilege to dupe and abuse unsuspecting people.
“As an organisation that works with mainly Apostolic and Zionist churches we are receiving a number of reports from traditional leaders and even ordinary people that ana Madzibaba (Prophets) are abusing women and children and they are also duping people of their hard earned money and valuables such as cows.
“Those are the people we are targeting, we will leave no stone unturned and we are happy that the ministry and the police are helping us,” said Archbishop Ndanga.
He adds “We are urging all Apostolic and Zionist churches to register their churches with recognised organisation so that even the government will recognize them.
“If a person is reluctant to register his or her church we become suspicious and the law allows us to investigate.
“This initiative will also target tsikamutandas because most if not all of them are operating without licenses,” he added.
Weighing in Chief Nherera born Maitwa Nherera said false prophets have divided his community.
“My community is now poor because they (prophets) come and collect cows from defenceless people and they also sow seeds of discord among family members telling them that they are being bewitched by their relatives.
“If you walk around here -chief Nherera village, in Mhondoro, families are divided, what is that? Church and prophets should unite people but when they do the opposite action should be taken by relevant authorities,” said Chief Nherera.
Newly ordained Bishop Douglas Mandaza said he will do everything in his powers to enlighten people about false prophets who are increasing each day.
“There is a virus in our Christian faith (false Prophets) and it is everyone’s responsibility to fight them.
“My message to the nation is simple and clear let us all support ACCZ by giving them information of abuse and fraudulent activities being undertaken by fake prophets,” he said. H-Metro
