The Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) has confirmed it is probing prominent lawyer Chipo Mahlangu following a complaint by the Assemblies of God-Spiritual Movement (AoG-SM), which alleges gross misconduct in ongoing church property disputes before the courts.
AoG-SM, founded by Francis Nyika and now led by Phillip Zinyama, is locked in a protracted dispute with the Assemblies of God-Back To God (AoG-BTG), headed by Nathan Setlhako. The latter group is accused of attempting to take control of properties belonging to AoG-SM.
Mahlangu, a partner at Maposa Mahlangu Attorneys, is representing AoG-BTG in the dispute. She is also reportedly affiliated with the church and has been seen participating in its activities.
In correspondence dated March 18, LSZ executive secretary Edward Mapara confirmed that the matter had progressed beyond initial inquiries.
“Upon receipt of your complaint, we commenced our investigations into the alleged conduct of the respondent.
“The respondent was invited to comment on the allegations you raised and we accorded you an opportunity to controvert the respondent’s responses.
“The investigations into this matter have been concluded at this stage and we are therefore proceeding to refer the case to our Disciplinary and Ethics Committee (DEC) for consideration, in terms of By-Law 61 (5) of the Law Society of Zimbabwe By-Laws SI 314 of 1982.
“The DEC will consider the matter and make its recommendation. As soon as the DEC has finalised its recommendations, these will be placed before Council at its next formal meeting for consideration.”
Mahlangu previously served as chairperson of the LSZ Compensation Fund Board of Trustees.
Information available publicly, including details published on the church’s own platforms, indicates that AoG-BTG operates from an address in Strathaven, Harare, the same location listed for Maposa Mahlangu Attorneys.
This overlap has sparked questions in some circles about the relationship between the law firm and the church, as well as whether the premises are part of church-owned assets.
The complaint to LSZ arises within the broader conflict between AoG-SM and AoG-BTG over properties acquired during Nyika’s leadership.
In proceedings at the Harare High Court, the Setlhako-led AoG-BTG failed in its attempt to evict AoG-SM from its Dombotombo, Marondera headquarters. Presiding judge Regis Dembure ordered punitive costs, stating the measure was meant “to deter church leaders from irresponsibly dragging the church into litigation”.
Responding to questions on whether the church had received the awarded sum of over US$8 000 and its position on further engagement, Zinyama said: “Yes, but we are also ready to defend our property.”
Two members of the national executive, who declined to be named, indicated there have been internal concerns about the management of legal affairs and the extent of consultation within the broader leadership.
Another member pointed out that the church’s governance framework assigns responsibility to the entire national executive, stressing that accountability lies collectively rather than with a few individuals.
Recent developments have also drawn attention to broader issues within AoG-BTG, including delays in completing the Mashava Auditorium project and concerns among congregants about the handling of resources.
One member said worshippers had initially expected to start using the facility as early as April, but were later instructed to remain in their respective regions, a development that has intensified questions around project management.
Some within the church also believe that the postponement of the election timetable has heightened unease, with concerns that current leaders, particularly those closely linked to legal and administrative decisions, may have more time to address unresolved matters ahead of the national conference.
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